1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2010 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2010 Land Rover Defender is newer by 30 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1748 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 2010 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2010 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 2010 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Land Rover |
| Model | Passat | Defender |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2370 mm |
