1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1977 Talbot Horizon
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Talbot Horizon 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 53 more horse power than 1977 Talbot Horizon. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1977 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 838 kg more than 1977 Talbot Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Talbot Horizon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Talbot Horizon. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Talbot Horizon. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1977 Talbot Horizon has manual transmission. 1977 Talbot Horizon 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 | 1977 Talbot Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Talbot |
| Model | Thunderbird | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 47 L |
