1989 Plymouth Acclaim vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1989 Plymouth Acclaim is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Plymouth Acclaim is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Plymouth Acclaim (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Acclaim should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Plymouth Acclaim weights approximately 474 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1989 Plymouth Acclaim (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Plymouth Acclaim will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Plymouth Acclaim | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Acclaim | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2971 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
