1988 Ford Taurus 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 Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus.
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 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
