1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Lancia Kappa
To start off, 1996 Lancia Kappa is newer by 17 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, 1996 Lancia Kappa (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 263 kg more than 1996 Lancia Kappa.
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, 1996 Lancia Kappa, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lancia Kappa. (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lancia Kappa. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1996 Lancia Kappa 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 | 1996 Lancia Kappa | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Kappa |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
