1973 Buick Centurion vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Centurion (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Centurion weights approximately 1156 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Buick Centurion 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 1973 Buick Centurion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1973 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Centurion | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Centurion | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2480 mm |
