2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 1989 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,798 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (279 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 353 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Express.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (399 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 1989 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Express | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4798 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 279 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6210 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2090 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3940 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 45 L |
