1984 Ford Sierra vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Ford Sierra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Sierra (114 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Sierra weights approximately 195 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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 Ford Sierra (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2480 mm |
