1978 Mazda RX-2 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 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,290 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 408 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-2. 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 Mazda RX-2. 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 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-2 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-2 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2290 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
