2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 695 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen K 70 has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen K 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | K 70 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
