1980 Mercedes-Benz G vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz G (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 530 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercedes-Benz G (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz G | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | G | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
