1997 Chevrolet Blazer vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Blazer is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Blazer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Blazer (197 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Blazer should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Blazer weights approximately 905 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Chevrolet Blazer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Blazer 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 Chevrolet Blazer (349 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Blazer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Blazer | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Blazer | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1390 mm |
