1996 Opel Vectra vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 189 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Opel Vectra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Vectra | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vectra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
