1999 Audi S8 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 25 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 4,170 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S8 (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 830 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 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 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, 1999 Audi S8 (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | S8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2480 mm |
