1978 Ford Taunus vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Ford Taunus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (75 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Taunus weights approximately 155 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (114 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 45 L |
