2000 Citroen Xantia vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2000 Citroen Xantia is newer by 21 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 46 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xantia. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 568 kg more than 2000 Citroen Xantia. 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, 2000 Citroen Xantia, 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 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Citroen Xantia. (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Citroen Xantia. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2000 Citroen Xantia has manual transmission. 2000 Citroen Xantia 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:
| 2000 Citroen Xantia | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Xantia | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1245 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2900 mm |
