1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 17 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 631 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
