2004 Chevrolet Venture vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Venture 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 Chevrolet Venture (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Venture should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 67 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Venture.
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, 2004 Chevrolet Venture, 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) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Venture. (285 Nm). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Venture.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Venture | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Venture | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3343 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
