1997 Suzuki Vitara vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 19 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Suzuki Vitara (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 110 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.
Because 1997 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Vitara 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 Suzuki Vitara (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Suzuki Vitara | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitara | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2480 mm |
