1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 13 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (204 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 330 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 1987 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 1987 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, 1987 Ford Sierra (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
