1974 GMC Jimmy vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 GMC Jimmy (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 880 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 1974 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Jimmy (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 1974 GMC Jimmy has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 GMC Jimmy | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jimmy | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
