1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 302 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 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Thunderbird | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1943 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2916 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 93 L |
