1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Land Rover Discovery
To start off, 2004 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 25 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, 2004 Land Rover Discovery (217 HP) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 263 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 2004 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2004 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2004 Land Rover Discovery (407 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm). This means 2004 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Land Rover Discovery | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | Discovery |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4556 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 217 HP |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2076 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 93 L |
