1996 Opel Astra vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 130 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1996 Opel Astra (128 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Astra | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
