1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 32 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 147 kg more than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Ford | Alpina |
| Model | Thunderbird | B7 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 300 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
