2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 768 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
