1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 237 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Impala 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 1971 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1971 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2720 mm |
