1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Porsche 993
To start off, 1998 Porsche 993 is newer by 19 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, 1998 Porsche 993 (283 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 393 kg more than 1998 Porsche 993.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Porsche 993. (347 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Porsche 993. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1998 Porsche 993 has manual transmission. 1998 Porsche 993 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 | 1998 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Thunderbird | 993 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2280 mm |
