2006 Chevrolet Uplander vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander 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 Chevrolet Uplander (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Uplander weights approximately 547 kg more than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. (293 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Uplander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Uplander | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Uplander | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 293 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2360 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
