1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 170 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2803 mm |
