1997 Toyota Previa vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Toyota Previa is newer by 17 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 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Previa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Previa (132 HP) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Previa weights approximately 740 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota Previa (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Previa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Previa | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Previa | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |
