1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 17 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 37 kg more than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Roadmaster | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2900 mm |
