2006 Nissan Maxima vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Nissan Maxima is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Maxima (265 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 675 kg more than 1973 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, 2006 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Maxima | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2480 mm |
