1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 42 kg more than 1978 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Dodge Aspen 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 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2712 mm |
