1989 Ford Sierra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Ford Sierra. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 406 kg more than 1989 Ford Sierra. 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Sierra. (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Sierra | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1552 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
