1971 Austin 3 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 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 12 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 323 kg more than 1971 Austin 3. 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 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
