1971 Rover P5B vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover P5B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover P5B would be higher. At 3,528 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Rover P5B (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Rover P5B should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover P5B weights approximately 205 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Rover P5B 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 Rover P5B. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Rover P5B (296 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1971 Rover P5B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 1971 Rover P5B has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Rover P5B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Rover P5B | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P5B | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Size | 3528 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
