1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1982 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1982 Ford Thunderbird and 1982 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1982). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 28 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 496 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1982 Volkswagen Passat, 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1982 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
