1979 Ford Mustang vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Ford Mustang is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 294 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2480 mm |
