1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 GMC Savana
To start off, 2012 GMC Savana 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 GMC Savana (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Savana should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Savana weights approximately 418 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 GMC Savana. (352 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 GMC Savana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 GMC Savana | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Thunderbird | Savana |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 117 L |
