2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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 145 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 498 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf, 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 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
