1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1997 Ford F-250
To start off, 1997 Ford F-250 is newer by 18 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 6,800 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford F-250 (306 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-250 weights approximately 567 kg more than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ford F-250 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, 1997 Ford F-250 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, 1997 Ford F-250 (575 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1997 Ford F-250 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | F-250 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 6800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3490 mm |
