1972 Ford GT 40 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 GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 600 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Because 1972 Ford GT 40 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 GT 40. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 70 L |
