1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 1201 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Passat | Pathfinder |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 266 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 390 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 2121 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4884 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1849 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1834 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2850 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |