2009 Jeep Commander vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Jeep Commander 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Commander (358 HP) has 309 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Commander should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Commander weights approximately 448 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 Jeep Commander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Commander 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 Jeep Commander (527 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Jeep Commander 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 Jeep Commander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Commander | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 358 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 527 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
