1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird 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 49 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 337 kg more than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1986 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 1998 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
