1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1989 Ford Capri
To start off, 1989 Ford Capri is newer by 10 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 1 more horse power than 1989 Ford Capri. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 721 kg more than 1989 Ford Capri. 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, 1989 Ford Capri, 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Capri. (183 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Capri. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Capri 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 | 1989 Ford Capri | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Thunderbird | Capri |
Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.9:1 |
Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 200 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 | 1092 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4230 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |