1968 Ford 17 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford 17 (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 95 kg more than 1968 Ford 17.
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, 1988 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (150 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1215 kg |
