1989 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1989 Buick Electra is newer by 10 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, 1989 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 238 kg more than 1989 Buick Electra.
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, 1989 Buick Electra, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Electra | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2900 mm |
