2007 Dodge Caravan vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2007 Dodge Caravan is newer by 28 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, 2007 Dodge Caravan (150 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 453 kg more than 2007 Dodge Caravan.
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, 2007 Dodge Caravan, 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Dodge Caravan. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Caravan | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.1 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
