1990 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 676 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 834 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
