1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 623 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 2229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2860 mm |
