2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 325 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Thunderbird | 164 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
