1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Lancia Delta
To start off, 2009 Lancia Delta 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 Lancia Delta (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lancia Delta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 383 kg more than 2009 Lancia Delta.
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 Lancia Delta, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lancia Delta. (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lancia Delta. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Lancia Delta has manual transmission. 2009 Lancia Delta 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 Lancia Delta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Delta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 214 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 | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
