1985 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 305 kg more than 1985 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
