1973 Chrysler Charger vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chrysler Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chrysler Charger would be higher. At 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Chrysler Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chrysler Charger (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chrysler Charger should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chrysler Charger weights approximately 305 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 1973 Chrysler Charger 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 Chrysler Charger. 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, 1973 Chrysler Charger (486 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Chrysler Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chrysler Charger | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charger | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 486 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2560 mm |
