1998 Lexus GS vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lexus GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lexus GS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus GS (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 413 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1998 Lexus GS 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 Lexus GS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Lexus GS (304 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. 1998 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Lexus GS 2002 Volkswagen Passat
Make Lexus Volkswagen
Model GS Passat
Year Released 1998 2002
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2997 cc 1781 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 5 valves
Horse Power 210 HP 148 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 304 Nm 241 Nm
Torque RPM 3800 RPM 1750 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 86.4 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1720 kg 1307 kg
Vehicle Length 4810 mm 4680 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1460 mm
Wheelbase Size 2810 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.4 L/100km 6.2 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 L 62 L