1954 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,114 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Ford Thunderbird (225 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 66 kg more than 1954 Ford Thunderbird.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5114 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1644 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
