2009 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 31 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 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (251 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 575 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 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 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, 2009 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Audi A3 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. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
