1983 Dodge Mirada vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 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 71 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 490 kg more than 1994 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, 1994 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Mirada | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
