1986 Citroen CX vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen CX (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen CX weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen CX | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | CX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2630 mm |
