2001 Mazda 6 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Mazda 6 is newer by 21 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda 6 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda 6 weights approximately 425 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, 2001 Mazda 6 (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 6 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 6 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 45 L |
