2005 Toyota MR2 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 188 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 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. 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 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Toyota MR2 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
Model | MR2 | Passat |
Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91.5 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |