1990 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 22 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1388 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Land Rover |
| Model | Passat | Defender |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 24.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
