1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 260 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 133 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
