2005 Fiat Punto vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Fiat Punto 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Punto. (84 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 663 kg more than 2005 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Fiat Punto, 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Punto. (195 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Punto. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2005 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2005 Fiat Punto 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:
| 2005 Fiat Punto | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Punto | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 173 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 | 1150 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
