1959 MG MGA vs. 1987 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 MG MGA (106 HP) has 36 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 140 kg more than 1959 MG MGA.
Because 1959 MG MGA 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 1959 MG MGA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1959 MG MGA (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1959 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 MG MGA | 1987 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | MG | Volkswagen |
| Model | MGA | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2560 mm |
