1979 Citroen CX vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Citroen CX. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 172 kg more than 1979 Citroen CX. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen CX. (166 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen CX. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1979 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1979 Citroen CX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1979 Citroen CX 2003 Volkswagen Passat
Make Citroen Volkswagen
Model CX Passat
Year Released 1979 2003
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 2495 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 107 HP 160 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 166 Nm 326 Nm
Torque RPM 3250 RPM 1500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87.9 mm 78.3 mm
Engine Stroke Size 82 mm 86.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.2:1 18.5:1
Top Speed 165 km/hour 220 km/hour
Drive Type Front Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1400 kg 1572 kg
Vehicle Length 4970 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1470 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 3100 mm 2710 mm