1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 1988 Ford Mustang is newer by 14 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Mustang (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 334 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 1988 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 1988 Ford Mustang. 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, 1988 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Ford Mustang 1974 Volkswagen Passat
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Mustang Passat
Year Released 1988 1974
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2301 cc 1271 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 89 HP 59 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 176 Nm 94 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 2500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1254 kg 920 kg
Vehicle Length 4570 mm 4200 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1630 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2560 mm 2480 mm


 

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