1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2007 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 103 kg more than 2007 Nissan 350Z.
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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Nissan 350Z. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2007 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2007 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Thunderbird | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
