1972 Opel Commodore vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Opel Commodore (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 382 kg more than 1972 Opel Commodore.
Because 1972 Opel Commodore 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 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Commodore. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Opel Commodore | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1552 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
