1976 Ford Capri vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP) has 36 more horse power than 1976 Ford Capri. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Capri weights approximately 50 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1976 Ford Capri 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 1976 Ford Capri. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Capri. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Capri | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2560 mm |
