1979 Ford LTD vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 747 kg more than 1979 Ford LTD. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 LTD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | LTD | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
