1980 Ford Taunus vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (100 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 255 kg more than 1980 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Taunus. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Taunus | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
