1959 Cadillac 62 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,381 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac 62 (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac 62 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 1298 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Cadillac 62 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 1959 Cadillac 62. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1959 Cadillac 62 (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 468 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac 62 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | 62 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6381 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2218 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2480 mm |
