1981 Porsche 944 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944.
Because 1981 Porsche 944 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 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 944 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
