2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 79 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 284 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2012 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1461 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |