How much horsepower does a 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe have?
The 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe produced about 190 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine.
That figure, typically cited as SAE net horsepower, reflects Ford’s late-1980s testing standards and the car’s production configuration. The Turbo Coupe blended performance with the practical two-door grand-tourer appeal, offering significantly more acceleration than its non-turbo siblings.
Powertrain at a glance
To understand what 190 horsepower meant in 1987, here are the core specifications tied to the engine and how power was delivered. Note that horsepower values from that era are commonly given as SAE net, which accounts for accessories and emissions equipment installed on a production car.
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four
- Horsepower (SAE net): 190 hp
- Torque (SAE net): approximately 240–245 lb-ft
- Drive and induction: turbocharged, with electronic fuel injection
These numbers defined the Turbo Coupe’s performance persona for the model year, placing it in the competitive range for American turbocharged mid-size cars of the era.
Context and variations
Horsepower ratings from the 1980s can vary slightly depending on the testing standard, market, and emission controls, but the 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe is consistently listed at about 190 SAE net horsepower with torque in the mid-240s lb-ft range. Some owners and sources may report minor differences due to wear, modifications, or measurement methods, but 190 hp remains the standard reference for this year.
Summary
For the 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, horsepower is commonly cited as 190 SAE net hp, paired with roughly 245 lb-ft of torque. This gave the car a noticeable performance edge within Ford’s lineup of turbocharged coupes in the late 1980s, while maintaining the practical appeal of a two-door grand tourer.
