1979 Buick Estate vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 118 kg more than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (318 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
