1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-4 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 21 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 703 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-4. 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 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
