1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
To start off, 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport (375 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport weights approximately 676 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.
Because 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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, 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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, 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport (508 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Thunderbird | Range Rover Sport |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 508 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4783 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2743 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
