2009 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 708 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Silverado | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5850 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3650 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
