1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1983 Pontiac 6000
To start off, 1983 Pontiac 6000 is newer by 4 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 12 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac 6000. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1983 Pontiac 6000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 423 kg more than 1983 Pontiac 6000. 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, 1983 Pontiac 6000, 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Pontiac 6000. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Pontiac 6000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1983 Pontiac 6000 | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | 6000 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2670 mm |
