1987 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Land Rover Defender (120 HP) has 50 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1668 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Land Rover |
| Model | Passat | Defender |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2370 mm |
