2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 737 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1712 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
