1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 29 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, 2008 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 358 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS.
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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Thunderbird | IS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
