1988 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 3,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix (205 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 63 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Prix | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3097 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
