1976 Plymouth Volare vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1976 Plymouth Volare. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 390 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1976 Plymouth Volare 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 Plymouth Volare. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Plymouth Volare (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Plymouth Volare will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Plymouth Volare | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Volare | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
