1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 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 @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1968 Abarth 1300. (124 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1968 Abarth 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1183 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300. 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 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (131 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 1300 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 80 L |
