1965 Pontiac Catalina vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Pontiac Catalina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Pontiac Catalina would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 535 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1965 Pontiac Catalina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 1965 Pontiac Catalina has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Pontiac Catalina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Pontiac Catalina | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catalina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6891 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 625 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2710 mm |
