1981 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is newer by 22 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 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (90 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo weights approximately 525 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (185 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Passat | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Passat | Vaneo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
