2005 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 392 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thunderbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1712 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
