1968 Opel Olympia vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Olympia (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Olympia should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 74 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Olympia | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
