1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1970 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 564 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. (137 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1970 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
