2006 Cadillac STS vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2006 Cadillac STS is newer by 18 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (253 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac STS weights approximately 176 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (342 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac STS | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | STS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 253 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2880 mm |
