1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 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 40 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 273 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (281 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
