1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1964 Rover P5
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Rover P5 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 16 more horse power than 1964 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1964 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 93 kg more than 1964 Rover P5. 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 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Rover P5. (219 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Rover P5. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1964 Rover P5 has manual transmission. 1964 Rover P5 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 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | P5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 52 L |
