1978 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 305 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen Passat | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1457 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
