1978 Citroen LNA vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1978 Citroen LNA is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Citroen LNA. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen LNA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 910 kg more than 1978 Citroen LNA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen LNA, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen LNA. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen LNA. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1978 Citroen LNA has manual transmission. 1978 Citroen LNA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen LNA | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | LNA | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
