1990 Ford Fiesta vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1990 Ford Fiesta. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 750 kg more than 1990 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Fiesta. (183 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Fiesta. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1990 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
