2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP) has 182 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 950 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Civic, 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
