1989 Skoda Rapid R vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Skoda Rapid R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Skoda Rapid R would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. (62 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 360 kg more than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Skoda Rapid R 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 1989 Skoda Rapid R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. (99 Nm @ 2850 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Skoda Rapid R.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Skoda Rapid R | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Skoda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapid R | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2850 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
