1974 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 30 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 490 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Passat | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Passat | 6 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2610 mm |
