1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 573 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (369 Nm) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (181 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | GTV | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 3932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 68 L |
