1985 Mazda 323 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 190 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323.
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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 323 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
