1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 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 25 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 389 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2008 Volkswagen New 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
