1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (80 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 283 kg more than 1970 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | 411 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
