1973 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 148 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1973 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Impala | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2710 mm |
