1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Honda Civic
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 27 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, 2006 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 179 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 2006 Honda Civic 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, 2006 Honda Civic 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 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Civic. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2006 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2006 Honda Civic 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 | 2006 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
