1978 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Camaro would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Camaro (165 HP) has 116 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 640 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Camaro 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 Chevrolet Camaro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Chevrolet Camaro (358 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Camaro | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Camaro | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
