1981 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 776 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Passat | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 113 HP |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2840 mm |
