1979 Lancia Stratos vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Stratos weights approximately 44 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Lancia Stratos is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Stratos | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
