2004 Buick Regal vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Buick Regal is newer by 16 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, 2004 Buick Regal (251 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 112 kg more than 2004 Buick Regal.
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, 2004 Buick Regal, 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Buick Regal. (388 Nm). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Regal | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Regal | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1598 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2880 mm |
