1980 Opel Commodore vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Commodore (115 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Commodore weights approximately 372 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Opel Commodore 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 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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 Opel Commodore (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Commodore | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1312 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2560 mm |
