1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Honda Prelude
To start off, both 1979 Ford Thunderbird and 1979 Honda Prelude were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 45 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 923 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude. 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, 1979 Honda Prelude, 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 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1979 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1979 Honda Prelude 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 | 1979 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
