1981 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (162 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 140 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. 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 (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 162 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1495 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |