1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1357 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
