2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 31 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 3,704 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Nitro (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 945 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 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
