1990 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Acura RL
To start off, 2011 Acura RL is newer by 21 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Acura RL (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Acura RL weights approximately 532 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Acura RL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Acura |
| Model | Passat | RL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4971 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2799 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
