1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 996 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Golf |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
