1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touran
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touran is newer by 33 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touran (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touran should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 589 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Touran.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Touran, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Touran. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Touran.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Volkswagen Touran | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Touran |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| 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 | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
