1983 Dodge Mirada vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 655 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Dodge Mirada 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 1983 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1983 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1983 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Mirada | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2560 mm |
