1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1974 Ford Capri
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri 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 64 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (71 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 803 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. 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 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (119 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Capri 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 | 1974 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Capri |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
