1973 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 282 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen Passat | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1471 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2580 mm |
