1981 Pontiac 1000 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 518 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac 1000 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 1981 Pontiac 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac 1000 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2720 mm |
