1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Mazda Premacy
To start off, 2008 Mazda Premacy 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Mazda Premacy. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda Premacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 358 kg more than 2008 Mazda Premacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda Premacy, 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda Premacy. (230 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda Premacy. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda Premacy has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda Premacy 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 | 2008 Mazda Premacy | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Premacy |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
