1970 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 467 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 De Tomaso Pantera 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 De Tomaso Pantera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 De Tomaso Pantera (491 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 De Tomaso Pantera | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pantera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
