1972 Plymouth Barracuda 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 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Barracuda. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Barracuda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 35 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Barracuda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Plymouth Barracuda. 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 (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Barracuda. (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Barracuda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Plymouth Barracuda | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barracuda | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
