1975 Ford Torino vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Torino (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Torino should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Torino weights approximately 690 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford 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 1975 Ford Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1975 Ford Torino (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1975 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Torino | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Torino | Passat |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
