1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 929. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 602 kg more than 1978 Mazda 929. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | 929 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2620 mm |
