1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Hyundai Tucson
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Tucson should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 439 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Tucson.
Because 2006 Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Tucson. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Tucson.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Thunderbird | Tucson |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
