1984 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1984 Ford Falcon. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 62 kg more than 1984 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 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, both vehicles can yield 240 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Falcon | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2712 mm |
