1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP) has 115 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1368 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 135 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
