1978 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 34 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 1320 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.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
Model | Passat | Avalanche |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1272 cc | 5300 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 310 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 95 Nm | 454 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 2200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1950 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 3310 mm |