1973 Vauxhall Firenza 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 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Vauxhall Firenza would be higher. At 2,279 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Vauxhall Firenza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Vauxhall Firenza (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Vauxhall Firenza should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Vauxhall Firenza weights approximately 80 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 Vauxhall Firenza 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 Vauxhall Firenza. 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 Vauxhall Firenza (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Vauxhall Firenza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Vauxhall Firenza | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
Model | Firenza | Passat |
Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2279 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 130 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 195 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |