1979 Ford Falcon vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1979 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 130 kg more than 1979 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Falcon. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Falcon | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
