1997 Audi A4 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Audi A4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Audi A4. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 125 kg more than 1997 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Audi A4. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Audi A4 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
