1970 Austin 3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1970 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Austin 3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1970 Austin 3 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 1970 Austin 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin 3 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
