2008 Dodge Ram vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2008 Dodge Ram is newer by 29 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, 2008 Dodge Ram (345 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 122 kg more than 2008 Dodge Ram.
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, 2008 Dodge Ram (509 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Ram | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Ram | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 509 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6350 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4080 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 80 L |
