1979 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 161 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 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 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trans Am | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2480 mm |
