1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Ferrari 308 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,925 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 308 (230 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 566 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Ferrari 308 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 1983 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1983 Ferrari 308 (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 308 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
