2009 Mazda CX-9 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda CX-9 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 3,725 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 414 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 Mazda CX-9 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 Mazda CX-9 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 Mazda CX-9 (366 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Mazda CX-9 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 CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda CX-9 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | CX-9 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3725 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 45 L |
