1982 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1982 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 81 kg more than 1982 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Ford Falcon. 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, 1982 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Falcon | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2712 mm |
