1989 Honda Accord vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 315 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |
