1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 919 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Polo |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
