1998 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 144 kg more than 1998 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Mustang | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Passat |
Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 143 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 78.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1534 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2590 mm |