1989 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1989 Plymouth Horizon. (91 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 436 kg more than 1989 Plymouth Horizon. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Plymouth Horizon. (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Plymouth Horizon | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2712 mm |
