2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 425 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 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
