1976 Ford Falcon vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Falcon (256 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (248 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 75 kg more than 1976 Ford Falcon.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Falcon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Ford Falcon (491 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Falcon | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
