1980 Subaru DL 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 Subaru DL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Subaru DL would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1980 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 765 kg more than 1980 Subaru DL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Subaru DL. (100 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Subaru DL. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1980 Subaru DL has manual transmission. 1980 Subaru DL 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 Subaru DL | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | DL | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
