1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 33 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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 687 kg more than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | GTI |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
