1998 Aston Martin Vantage vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage is newer by 17 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 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Aston Martin Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage (600 HP) has 541 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Aston Martin Vantage weights approximately 1030 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 1998 Aston Martin Vantage is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Aston Martin Vantage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage (814 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 714 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Aston Martin Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Aston Martin Vantage | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vantage | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 600 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 814 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
