1994 Opel Calibra vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Opel Calibra is newer by 16 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Opel Calibra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Opel Calibra (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Opel Calibra should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Opel Calibra weights approximately 275 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, 1994 Opel Calibra (173 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Opel Calibra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 1994 Opel Calibra has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 Opel Calibra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Opel Calibra | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Calibra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
