1970 Chrysler Town & Country vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chrysler Town & Country. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chrysler Town & Country would be higher. At 6,284 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Chrysler Town & Country (190 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Chrysler Town & Country 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 Chrysler Town & Country. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Chrysler Town & Country (414 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1970 Chrysler Town & Country will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chrysler Town & Country | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Town & Country | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6284 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2130 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2560 mm |
