1998 Fiat Duna vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1998 Fiat Duna is newer by 19 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 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Duna. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Duna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 928 kg more than 1998 Fiat Duna. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Duna, 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Duna. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Duna. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1998 Fiat Duna has manual transmission. 1998 Fiat Duna will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Duna | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Duna | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2900 mm |
