1971 Ford GT 40 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1971 Ford GT 40 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 1971 Ford GT 40. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (145 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 40 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2560 mm |
