2006 Cadillac CTS vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2006 Cadillac CTS is newer by 27 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, 2006 Cadillac CTS (255 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 221 kg more than 2006 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Cadillac CTS. (343 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac CTS | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3556 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
