1965 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1965 Volkswagen 1600 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 1965 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Volkswagen 1600 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
