1992 Ford Sierra vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1992 Ford Sierra is newer by 13 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 61 more horse power than 1992 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1992 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 803 kg more than 1992 Ford Sierra. 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Ford Sierra. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1992 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1992 Ford Sierra 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:
| 1992 Ford Sierra | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Sierra | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
