1990 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 215 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Passat | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
