1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1976 Ford Taunus is newer by 3 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 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 205 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. 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, 1976 Ford Taunus (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
