1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 306 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
