1999 Kia Elan vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1999 Kia Elan. (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 277 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Kia Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Elan | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
