1981 Ford Capri 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 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 266 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, 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
