1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 707 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (129 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1983 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1983 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
