1981 Honda Accord vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 408 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
