1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1123 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cavalier | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 70 L |
