1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 4 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 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 894 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.
Because 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | V8 Volante | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2480 mm |
