1998 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 18 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 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 426 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, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Pontiac Grand Prix | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Grand Prix | Passat |
Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3128 cc | 1994 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 264 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1075 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2560 mm |