1981 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 169 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Golf | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
