1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 17 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 100 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
