2005 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 340 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Volkswagen 1302. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Prizm | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prizm | 1302 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
