2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 675 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | Montrose |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
