2005 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2005 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 173 kg more than 2005 Ford Thunderbird.
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 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (346 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Thunderbird | 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 5031 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1712 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2950 mm |
