1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 165 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
