1978 Subaru Rex 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 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Subaru Rex would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Subaru Rex. (29 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 833 kg more than 1978 Subaru Rex. 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 Subaru Rex. 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 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Subaru Rex. (42 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Subaru Rex. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1978 Subaru Rex has manual transmission. 1978 Subaru Rex will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Subaru Rex | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rex | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 544 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1930 mm | 2710 mm |
