1983 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 382 kg more than 1983 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Mustang | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
