1970 Ford Mustang vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 7,014 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Mustang (99 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Mustang weights approximately 624 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Mustang 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 1970 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1970 Ford Mustang (637 Nm) has 492 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm). This means 1970 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Mustang | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7014 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 637 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |
