1978 Honda Accord vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 455 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 55 L |
