2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 5 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 135 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo, 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 303 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (85 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Polo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
