2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 161 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1901 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1584 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |