1979 Renault 5 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 5 (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 590 kg more than 1979 Renault 5.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Renault 5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 5 | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
