1978 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 892 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 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
