1977 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 115 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Volkswagen Golf | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
