2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 42 kg more than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 (369 Nm) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (350 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
