1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Volkswagen Tiguan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 267 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer significantly more control. 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 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1546 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
