1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2011 Subaru Legacy is newer by 31 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 619 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 2011 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy 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, 2011 Subaru Legacy (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Passat | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4735 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1506 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2751 mm |
