1978 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Ford F-150
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 1468 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford F-150 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 2012 Ford F-150. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2012 Ford F-150 (515 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 432 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Ford F-150 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Ford F-150 | |
Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
Model | Passat | F-150 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1457 cc | 5000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 47 HP | 360 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 83 Nm | 515 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 2383 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2012 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1900 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 98 L |