1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1997 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Cosmo would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 530 kg more than 1979 Mazda Cosmo. 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1979 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
