1981 Chrysler Avenger vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1981 Chrysler Avenger is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Chrysler Avenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chrysler Avenger (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chrysler Avenger should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chrysler Avenger weights approximately 130 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Chrysler Avenger (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Chrysler Avenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chrysler Avenger | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Avenger | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
