1996 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (247 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (455 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Suburban | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2480 mm |
