1991 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1991 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Mustang (106 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Mustang weights approximately 45 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 1991 Ford Mustang 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 1991 Ford Mustang. 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, 1991 Ford Mustang (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Mustang | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1215 kg |
