1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Thunderbird 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 171 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 584 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 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 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1998 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Polo |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
