1990 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1990 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 415 kg more than 1990 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (371 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
