1979 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (408 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 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 2012 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
Make | Volkswagen | Porsche |
Model | Passat | 911 |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1272 cc | 3800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 408 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
Torque | 95 Nm | 420 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1420 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4435 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1852 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2350 mm |