1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 9 more horse power than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (126 HP @ 2900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 333 kg more than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (174 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Thunderbird | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
