2009 Chevrolet Nubira vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Nubira 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Nubira. (108 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Nubira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 397 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Nubira. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Nubira, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 277 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Nubira. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Nubira.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Nubira | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Nubira | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2880 mm |
