1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2590 mm |
