1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 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 160 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 154 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Passat |
Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 330 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 503 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1461 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |