2005 Cadillac CTS vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Cadillac CTS is newer by 26 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, 2005 Cadillac CTS (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 83 kg more than 2005 Cadillac CTS.
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, 2005 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 536 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
