1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 2 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 19 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (116 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 903 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (147 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud has manual transmission. 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud 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:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Alfasud | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2900 mm |
