1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 755 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 411 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
