2004 Renault Espace vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Renault Espace is newer by 26 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Espace (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Espace weights approximately 933 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.
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, 2004 Renault Espace (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Espace | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Espace | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1848 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 45 L |
