1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 19 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (218 HP) has 159 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 930 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.
Because 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (390 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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. 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2480 mm |
