1970 Dodge Dart vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Dodge Dart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Dodge Dart would be higher. At 3,249 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Dodge Dart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Dodge Dart (101 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Dodge Dart should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Dodge Dart weights approximately 415 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Dodge Dart 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 Dodge Dart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 Dodge Dart (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Dodge Dart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Dodge Dart | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dart | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3249 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
