1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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, both vehicles can yield 139 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 330 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
