1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 52 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2340 mm |
