2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 15 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 14 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.
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 (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
