2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 390 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclipse | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2560 mm |
