1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 546 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 2013 Volkswagen Touareg is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 16.8: 1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4795 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2893 mm |
