1983 Ferrari 400 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Ferrari 400 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1983 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 950 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Ferrari 400 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 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 400 (393 Nm) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm). This means 1983 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 400 | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
