1987 Ford Taurus vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1987 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,511 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Taurus weights approximately 480 kg more than 1980 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, 1987 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Taurus | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2511 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2480 mm |
