1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1995 Renault Laguna
To start off, 1995 Renault Laguna is newer by 16 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, 1995 Renault Laguna (141 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 533 kg more than 1995 Renault Laguna.
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, 1995 Renault Laguna, 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Renault Laguna. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Renault Laguna. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1995 Renault Laguna has manual transmission. 1995 Renault Laguna 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 | 1995 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Thunderbird | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
