1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 864 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2410 mm |
