1973 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1988 Ford Aerostar
To start off, 1988 Ford Aerostar is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Aerostar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Aerostar (143 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Aerostar should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Aerostar weights approximately 516 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Aerostar 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 1988 Ford Aerostar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1988 Ford Aerostar (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Aerostar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen Passat | 1988 Ford Aerostar | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Passat | Aerostar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 3030 mm |
