1974 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1981 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1981 Lancia Gamma is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Gamma (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Gamma should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 400 kg more than 1974 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, 1981 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Passat | 1981 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lancia |
| Model | Passat | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2680 mm |
