1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat 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 23 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 539 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1980 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2560 mm |
