1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 488 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
