1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 44 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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 1968 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nova | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2712 mm |
