1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE
To start off, 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE is newer by 34 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE (397 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE weights approximately 694 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, 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Cadillac ESCALADE | |
| Make | Ford | Cadillac |
| Model | Thunderbird | ESCALADE |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 397 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.4 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2507 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1928 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2947 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 98 L |
