Thunderbolt to VGA from a late 2008 with mini display?

As my subject line states, I have a late 2008 that needs to connect to a VGA projector.

While shopping around, I can across a bunch of threads saying a thunderbolt to VGA adapter will work the same as a mini display to VGA adapter using my mini display port. Is this true?

If so, I'm looking to purchase http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Mini-DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Adapter/dp/B00NH 13I08/ref=zg_bs_3015403011_2

If not, I'm looking to purchase http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mini-DisplayPort-Adapter-MB572Z/dp/B009K916ZK/ref=zg _bs_3015403011_3

Thank you in advance.