1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 1984 Volvo 740 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volvo 740 (197 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volvo 740 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Volvo 740 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 1984 Volvo 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1984 Volvo 740 (296 Nm @ 2950 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1984 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | 740 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2780 mm |
