1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 129 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vega | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2560 mm |
