1986 Ford Fiesta vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1986 Ford Fiesta. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 330 kg more than 1986 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Fiesta. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Fiesta | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2630 mm |
