2009 Cadillac BLS vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Cadillac BLS is newer by 30 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, 2009 Cadillac BLS (252 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac BLS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 178 kg more than 2009 Cadillac BLS.
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, 2009 Cadillac BLS, 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac BLS. (365 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac BLS. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Cadillac BLS has manual transmission. 2009 Cadillac BLS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac BLS | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | BLS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.8 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
