2001 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 227 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2001 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
