1971 Honda Life vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1817 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
