1997 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 305 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV, 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | GTV | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
