1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber 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 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 479 kg more than 2012 Dodge Caliber.
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, 2012 Dodge Caliber, 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 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Caliber. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2012 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2012 Dodge Caliber 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 | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Thunderbird | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
