1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2002 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 23 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, 2002 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 513 kg more than 2002 Jensen SV-8.
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, 2002 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2002 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Jensen SV-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Jensen SV-8 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 | 2002 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jensen |
| Model | Thunderbird | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
