1968 Ford 17 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (81 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 14 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 1968 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (132 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1812 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
