1978 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 284 kg more than 2005 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, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trail Duster | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
