1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 157 HP |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
