1984 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2011 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1444 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 2011 Cadillac Escalade 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 2011 Cadillac Escalade. 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, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Cadillac Escalade has automatic transmission and 1984 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1984 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Passat | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 2489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1928 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 98 L |
