1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2007 Saturn Aura 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 Saturn Aura (252 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1979 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Saturn Aura, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Saturn Aura. (340 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Saturn Aura.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Thunderbird | Aura |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
