2006 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (398 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (546 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Corvette | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 398 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.1 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
