1976 Dodge Aspen vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1976 Dodge Aspen is newer by 3 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 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 555 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1976 Dodge Aspen 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 1976 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1976 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Dodge Aspen | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
