1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Lancia Zeta
To start off, 1999 Lancia Zeta is newer by 20 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, 1999 Lancia Zeta (145 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 163 kg more than 1999 Lancia Zeta.
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, 1999 Lancia Zeta, 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lancia Zeta. (235 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lancia Zeta. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Lancia Zeta has manual transmission. 1999 Lancia Zeta 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 | 1999 Lancia Zeta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2830 mm |
