1961 Triumph TR3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 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 60 more horse power than 1961 Triumph TR3. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 606 kg more than 1961 Triumph TR3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Triumph TR3 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 Triumph TR3. 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 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph TR3. (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Triumph TR3 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | TR3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2138 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3350 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 904 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
