1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Volvo S60
To start off, 2008 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 (208 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 183 kg more than 2008 Volvo S60.
Because 2008 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S60. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S60. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Volvo S60 has manual transmission. 2008 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Thunderbird | S60 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
