1984 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 5 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 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1984 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa (386 HP) has 337 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 561 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 1984 Ferrari Testarossa 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 1984 Ferrari Testarossa. 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, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa (490 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.

Compare all specifications:

1984 Ferrari Testarossa 1979 Volkswagen Passat
Make Ferrari Volkswagen
Model Testarossa Passat
Year Released 1984 1979
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 4942 cc 1471 cc
Engine Cylinders 12 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 386 HP 49 HP
Torque 490 Nm 82 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82 mm 76.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78 mm 80 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.3:1 23.5:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1506 kg 945 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 4270 mm
Vehicle Width 1980 mm 1620 mm
Vehicle Height 1140 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2460 mm 2480 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 115 L 45 L