1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 241 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.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Ballade. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade. 2005 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. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ballade | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
