1998 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1998 Ford Mustang is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. Both 1998 Ford Mustang and 1988 Ford Thunderbird are equipped with a 3,797 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 320 kg more than 1998 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Mustang | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2880 mm |
