1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus 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 Focus.
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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus 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 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Thunderbird | Focus |
Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 184 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 966 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |