1974 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 980 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (339 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (146 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Caprice | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2560 mm |
