2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger (250 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 121 kg more than 2009 Dodge Charger.
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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Charger. (339 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
