2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 27 kg more than 2004 Ford Mustang.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
