1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (207 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 257 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Because 1981 Ferrari 308 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 1981 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 308 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
