1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1600 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) has 34 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 470 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
