1987 Porsche 944 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 944 (150 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 249 kg more than 1987 Porsche 944.
Because 1987 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 1987 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Porsche 944 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 944 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
