1990 Renault Clio vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Renault Clio would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1990 Renault Clio. (79 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 690 kg more than 1990 Renault Clio. 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 (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Renault Clio. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Renault Clio | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Clio | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1516 mm |
