1970 Plymouth Barracuda vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,249 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda (101 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (67 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Plymouth Barracuda 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 Plymouth Barracuda. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 Plymouth Barracuda (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (124 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Plymouth Barracuda | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barracuda | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3249 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
