1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 32 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 4,134 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (345 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2012 Audi A8 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, 2012 Audi A8 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, 2012 Audi A8 (800 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 674 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Audi A8 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. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Audi |
| Model | Passat | A8 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
