2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 21 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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (307 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 78 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 307 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
