1978 Lancia Stratos vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1978 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (146 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Stratos | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2560 mm |
