1993 Nissan Serena vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1993 Nissan Serena is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Nissan Serena (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (67 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Nissan Serena should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Nissan Serena weights approximately 205 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 Nissan Serena is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1993 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1993 Nissan Serena (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (124 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1993 Nissan Serena will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Nissan Serena | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | Passat |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
