2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 572 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Wartburg |
| Model | Passat | 312 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1532 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
