2004 Audi A4 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 25 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, 2004 Audi A4 (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 337 kg more than 2004 Audi A4.
Because 2004 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4 will offer significantly more control. 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 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A4. (225 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A4. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A4 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:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A4 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
