1972 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 615 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 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 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 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 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, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevelle | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
