2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (250 HP) has 201 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 747 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Charger 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 2009 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2009 Dodge Charger (339 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charger | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
