1981 Ford Capri vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 284 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. 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, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (226 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
