1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2013 Porsche Cayman 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 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Porsche Cayman (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 463 kg more than 2013 Porsche Cayman.
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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Porsche Cayman. (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Porsche Cayman. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2013 Porsche Cayman has manual transmission. 2013 Porsche Cayman 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 | 2013 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 280 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4347 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2415 mm |
