1978 Mazda 929 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (198 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 929. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 295 kg more than 1978 Mazda 929. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 929 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 Mazda 929. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 929 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 929 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
