1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ferrari F355 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 1997 Ferrari F355. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1997 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ferrari F355 | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
Model | F355 | Passat |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 376 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 100 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 73.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2560 mm |