1971 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 7,725 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (345 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 768 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (679 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 473 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fleetwood | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7725 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 679 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2223 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2710 mm |
