1996 Opel Astra vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 313 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Opel Astra | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
Model | Astra | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 125 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 77.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1463 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |