2009 Honda Ridgeline vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Ridgeline (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Ridgeline weights approximately 278 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 Honda Ridgeline 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 Honda Ridgeline 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 Honda Ridgeline (335 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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 Honda Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Ridgeline | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ridgeline | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 45 L |
