1956 Ford Consul vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 331 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 1956 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Consul | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Consul | Passat |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 128 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 62 L |
