1988 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2012 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Crown Victoria (224 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 1756 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford Crown Victoria 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 2012 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 Ford Crown Victoria (359 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Passat | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 72 L |
