2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 470 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
