1978 Honda Prelude vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 775 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
