2009 Suzuki Equator vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Suzuki Equator is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Suzuki Equator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Suzuki Equator (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Suzuki Equator should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Suzuki Equator weights approximately 105 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Suzuki Equator is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Suzuki Equator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Suzuki Equator (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Suzuki Equator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Suzuki Equator has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Suzuki Equator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Suzuki Equator | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Equator | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3560 mm | 2560 mm |
