1976 Mazda RX-4 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda RX-4 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mazda RX-4 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 Mazda RX-4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Mazda RX-4 | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | RX-4 | Passat |
Year Released | 1976 | 1975 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 118 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |