1981 Ford Capri vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Ford Capri is newer by 3 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Capri weights approximately 290 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 1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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, 1981 Ford Capri (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Capri | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Capri | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 72 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |