1980 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (54 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
