1980 Dodge Mirada vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Dodge Mirada (146 HP) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 760 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Dodge Mirada 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 1980 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Mirada | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2560 mm |
