1996 Opel Frontera vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Opel Frontera 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Frontera (115 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Frontera weights approximately 960 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.
Because 1996 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera 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, 1996 Opel Frontera (260 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Frontera | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
