1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Subaru Leone
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Subaru Leone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru Leone would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Subaru Leone. (81 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru Leone. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 629 kg more than 1979 Subaru Leone. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Subaru Leone is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Subaru Leone will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru Leone. (135 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru Leone.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1979 Subaru Leone | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Thunderbird | Leone |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2390 mm |
