1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Rover 3.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Rover 3.5 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3.5 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
