2002 Toyota Solara vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 28 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 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Solara weights approximately 475 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Solara | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solara | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2480 mm |
