1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1976 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Fairlane (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 361 kg more than 1976 Ford Fairlane.
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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fairlane. (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1976 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
