1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Simca 1309
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Simca 1309. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Simca 1309 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1975 Simca 1309. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1975 Simca 1309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 564 kg more than 1975 Simca 1309. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Simca 1309, 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Simca 1309. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Simca 1309. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1975 Simca 1309 has manual transmission. 1975 Simca 1309 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Simca 1309 | |
| Make | Ford | Simca |
| Model | Thunderbird | 1309 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 58 L |
