1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Montana 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 Pontiac Montana (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 37 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 Pontiac Montana 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 Pontiac Montana 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Pontiac Montana. (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Pontiac Montana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Montana |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 95 L |
