1980 Citroen CX vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird

To start off, 1980 Citroen CX is newer by 1 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Citroen CX. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 588 kg more than 1980 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 1980 Citroen CX, 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 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen CX. (152 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen CX. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1980 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1980 Citroen CX 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:

1980 Citroen CX 1979 Ford Thunderbird
Make Citroen Ford
Model CX Thunderbird
Year Released 1980 1979
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 5731 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 105 HP 135 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 3200 RPM
Torque 152 Nm 386 Nm
Torque RPM 3250 RPM 1400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 101.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 85.5 mm 88.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 8.3:1
Top Speed 175 km/hour 170 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1225 kg 1813 kg
Vehicle Length 4670 mm 5520 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 2000 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1350 mm
Wheelbase Size 2750 mm 2900 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 80 L