1985 Porsche 944 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Porsche 944 (221 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 230 kg more than 1985 Porsche 944.
Because 1985 Porsche 944 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 1985 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Porsche 944. (330 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Porsche 944 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 944 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
