1977 Ford Taunus vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 5 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Taunus weights approximately 205 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
