1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 340 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1970 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2710 mm |
