1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Ford F-150
To start off, 2009 Ford F-150 is newer by 30 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, 2009 Ford F-150 (311 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 847 kg more than 2009 Ford F-150.
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, 2009 Ford F-150 (495 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 98 L |
