1961 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Aston Martin DB2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Aston Martin DB2 (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Aston Martin DB2 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Aston Martin DB2 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Aston Martin DB2 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 1961 Aston Martin DB2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1961 Aston Martin DB2 (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1961 Aston Martin DB2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Aston Martin DB2 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB2 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 45 L |
