1980 Ford Falcon vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Ford Falcon is newer by 2 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 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Falcon (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Falcon weights approximately 490 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 1980 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 1980 Ford Falcon. 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, 1980 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Falcon | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Falcon | Passat |
Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 228 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2480 mm |