1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 366 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
