1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 15 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 116 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 703 kg more than 1995 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 277 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
