1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Rover 3.5 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 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Rover 3.5 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3.5 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2560 mm |
