1983 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 732 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 2012 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1672 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3200 mm |
