2003 Honda Life vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Honda Life is newer by 25 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 47 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Honda Life.
Because 2003 Honda Life 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, 2003 Honda Life 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, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Life | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2400 mm |
