1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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 33 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 68 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 291 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1552 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |