1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2006 Jaguar XK 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 Jaguar XK (294 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 93 kg more than 2006 Jaguar XK.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Jaguar XK (411 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2006 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Thunderbird | XK |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 294 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
