2005 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2005 Ford Thunderbird. (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 569 kg more than 2005 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1712 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 19 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
