2005 Infiniti M vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Infiniti M is newer by 27 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 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Infiniti M (335 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Infiniti M weights approximately 860 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.
Because 2005 Infiniti M 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 2005 Infiniti M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Infiniti M (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Infiniti M 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. 2005 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Infiniti M | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Infiniti | Volkswagen |
| Model | M | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2480 mm |
