1995 Ford Contour vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 Ford Contour is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Contour weights approximately 322 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Contour | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Passat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
