1989 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 655 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volkswagen Golf | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2720 mm |
