1985 Ferrari 400 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Ferrari 400 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,822 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 920 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Ferrari 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1985 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 400 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
