1979 Ford Capri vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 471 kg more than 1979 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri. 2013 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1979 Ford Capri 2013 Volkswagen Passat
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Capri Passat
Year Released 1979 2013
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1298 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 5 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 53 HP 168 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 85 Nm 240 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 79.1 mm 82 mm
Engine Stroke Size 66 mm 92 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 990 kg 1461 kg
Vehicle Length 4380 mm 4868 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1835 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1487 mm
Wheelbase Size 2570 mm 2803 mm