1986 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (123 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 499 kg more than 1986 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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 (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (142 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Toyota Corolla | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
