1978 Ford Capri vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 347 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri 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:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.8 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1463 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
