1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 33 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 552 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Thunderbird | Avalanche |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 117 L |
