2009 Honda Odyssey vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Honda Odyssey 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 249 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.
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 Honda Odyssey (332 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Honda Odyssey 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 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Odyssey | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2480 mm |
