How much horsepower does a 1990 Thunderbird Super Coupe have?
The 1990 Thunderbird Super Coupe was rated at about 230 horsepower from its 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, delivering strong performance for its era.
This article provides the horsepower figure for the 1990 Thunderbird Super Coupe, places it in context with the car’s powertrain, and explains how the rating was applied. It draws on the model’s official specifications and common industry references from that period.
Powerplant and horsepower figures
Key numbers for the 1990 model year center on the engine and how Ford rated its output. The Super Coupe used a single, turbocharged V6 and kept a relatively simple drivetrain compared with more modern hybrids and sport sedans.
- Engine: 3.8-liter (L) V6 with turbocharger and intercooler
- Official horsepower: 230 hp (approximately 171 kW) for US-market models, SAE net
- Torque: typically cited around 315–330 lb-ft (428–447 Nm), depending on measurement method
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic with overdrive was the standard option
These specifications reflect the era’s approach to tuning and emissions compliance, with horsepower and torque values that made the Thunderbird Super Coupe notably quick for a personal luxury coupe of its time.
Context and notes on the rating
horsepower figures for the era could vary slightly depending on whether SAE gross or net ratings were used, and on market-specific calibrations. In practice, most commonly cited sources for the 1990 Thunderbird Super Coupe list the output at about 230 horsepower with torque in the low 300s lb-ft range, which was enough to deliver brisk acceleration for a car of its class.
Related context
Ford’s Turbo Coupes of the late 1980s and early 1990s were part of a broader move toward intercooler-equipped turbo V6 powertrains in personal luxury coupes. The 230 hp figure is widely echoed in period brochures and automotive reference materials, though exact dyno results could vary by condition and measurement standards.
Summary: The 1990 Thunderbird Super Coupe delivered roughly 230 horsepower from its 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, with torque in the 315–330 lb-ft range, paired with a 4-speed automatic. This combination gave the car notably spirited performance for its era.
Summary of key point: 1990 Thunderbird Super Coupe — about 230 hp from a turbocharged 3.8L V6, with torque in the mid-300 lb-ft range.
