2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 17 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 4,564 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 44 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | XLR | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4564 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
