1997 Audi A8 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Audi A8 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Audi A8. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Audi A8 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Audi A8. 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, 1997 Audi A8 (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Audi A8 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
