2009 Citroen C5 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Citroen C5 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 2,179 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C5 (131 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C5 weights approximately 645 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.
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, 2009 Citroen C5 (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C5 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | C5 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2179 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
