1954 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 140 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (95 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Passat |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
