1972 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 97 kg more than 1972 Ford Fairlane.
Because 1972 Ford Fairlane 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 1972 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1972 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2712 mm |
