1998 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 390 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (286 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Polo | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
