2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1974 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corona. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 236 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Toyota Corona 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 1974 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corona. (162 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corona. 1974 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 1974 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Passat | Corona |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2510 mm |
