1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 178 kg more than 1972 Rover 3.5.
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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Rover 3.5.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
Make | Ford | Rover |
Model | Thunderbird | 3.5 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3532 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 276 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 71.1 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1635 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4750 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2820 mm |