1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 217 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade. 2002 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ballade | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
