1971 Plymouth Barracuda vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,250 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda (102 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 465 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Plymouth Barracuda 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 Plymouth Barracuda. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Plymouth Barracuda (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Plymouth Barracuda | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barracuda | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3250 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
