1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 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 183 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
