1981 Lincoln Mark VI 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 Lincoln Mark VI. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lincoln Mark VI would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Lincoln Mark VI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Mark VI. (139 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Mark VI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Mark VI weights approximately 359 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1981 Lincoln Mark VI 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 Lincoln Mark VI. 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, 1981 Lincoln Mark VI (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Lincoln Mark VI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Mark VI | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mark VI | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
