2004 Fiat Stilo vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Fiat Stilo 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 Fiat Stilo (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Stilo should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 469 kg more than 2004 Fiat Stilo.
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 Fiat Stilo, 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Stilo. (311 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Stilo. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Stilo has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Stilo 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 Fiat Stilo | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Stilo | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
