1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 28 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, 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee (228 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 317 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 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee (410 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Thunderbird | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2160 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 78 L |
