1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego (197 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 158 kg more than 2004 Mercury Montego.
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, 2004 Mercury Montego, 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Montego. (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Montego |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 72 L |
