1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 207 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2712 mm |
