1997 Jeep Wrangler vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Jeep Wrangler is newer by 24 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 3,964 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jeep Wrangler (175 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 560 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.
Because 1997 Jeep Wrangler is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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, 1997 Jeep Wrangler (291 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Wrangler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Wrangler | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Wrangler | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3964 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |
