1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1971 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 356 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 411. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1971 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | 411 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2510 mm |
