1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1994 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
