1986 Pontiac Fiero vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Fiero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Fiero would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Fiero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. (140 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 322 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Pontiac Fiero 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 1986 Pontiac Fiero. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. (220 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Fiero.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Fiero | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiero | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2590 mm |
