2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 475 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Passat | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
