1985 Ford Taurus vs. 1995 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Taurus (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Taurus weights approximately 235 kg more than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Taurus (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Taurus | 1995 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
