1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 324 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
