1981 Ford Falcon vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Ford Falcon is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Falcon (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 476 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2480 mm |
