1971 Chrysler Charger vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chrysler Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chrysler Charger would be higher. At 4,341 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chrysler Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chrysler Charger (200 HP) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chrysler Charger should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chrysler Charger weights approximately 450 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chrysler Charger 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 Chrysler Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Chrysler Charger (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Chrysler Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Charger | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charger | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4341 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2560 mm |
