1976 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 511 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
