2009 Ford Flex vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex is newer by 36 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Flex weights approximately 72 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 2009 Ford Flex is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex 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, 2009 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Flex | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2480 mm |
