1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1296 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 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2893 mm |
