1989 Saab 9000 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 16 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1973 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 Saab 9000 (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Saab 9000 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Saab | Volkswagen |
| Model | 9000 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
