1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 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 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S70 (190 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 433 kg more than 1997 Volvo S70.
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, 1997 Volvo S70, 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S70. (267 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S70. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1997 Volvo S70 has manual transmission. 1997 Volvo S70 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 | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Thunderbird | S70 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
