1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 280 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
