1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 482 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1978 Ford Crown Victoria 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 Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
