2001 Dodge Caravan vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 Dodge Caravan is newer by 13 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. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Caravan (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 240 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Dodge Caravan (313 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Caravan | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
