1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 213 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2712 mm |
