1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 160 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 373 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2710 mm |
