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 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (310 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 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. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 548 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg.
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 (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (427 Nm @ 2600 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 | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2860 mm |
