1978 Plymouth Trail Duster vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 90 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trail Duster | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
