1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1964 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 949 kg more than 1964 Ford GT 40.
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) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford GT 40. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1964 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1964 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1964 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 864 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1040 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2420 mm |
