1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 124 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (359 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
