1971 Austin 3 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 70 kg more than 1971 Austin 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Austin 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2710 mm |
