1981 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 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), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 397 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. 2007 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Passat | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1337 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
