1984 Skoda Rapid R vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Skoda Rapid R is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1984 Skoda Rapid R. (62 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Skoda Rapid R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 60 kg more than 1984 Skoda Rapid R. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Skoda Rapid R 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 1984 Skoda Rapid R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Skoda Rapid R. (99 Nm @ 2850 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Skoda Rapid R.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Skoda Rapid R | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Skoda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapid R | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2850 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
