1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 27 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 198 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Thunderbird | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
