1997 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,391 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (160 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 453 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Chevrolet Camaro 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 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (271 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Camaro | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Camaro | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3391 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1413 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
