1972 Plymouth Valiant vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 189 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Plymouth Valiant | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
Model | Valiant | Passat |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5562 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 280 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 401 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1563 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2712 mm |