1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang 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 51 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 432 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. 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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Mustang 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 | 1979 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2560 mm |
