1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (134 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 482 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
