1986 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (136 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 420 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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, 2012 Subaru Legacy (349 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Passat | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2226 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
