1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg (350 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 437 kg more than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg 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, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (439 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Thunderbird | Touareg |
Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5731 cc | 4172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 350 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 439 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 2250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1930 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |