1966 Pontiac GTO vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 132 kg more than 1966 Pontiac GTO.
Because 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 1966 Pontiac GTO. 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, 1966 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Pontiac GTO | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Passat |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6375 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 366 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2720 mm |
