1980 Mercedes-Benz G vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 370 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1980 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz G | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | G | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
