1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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 82 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 69 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
