1989 Ford Sierra vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1989 Ford Sierra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Sierra (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Sierra weights approximately 130 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ford Sierra 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 1989 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1989 Ford Sierra (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Sierra | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2480 mm |
