1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 143 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Dodge Aspen. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2630 mm |
