2001 Nissan Terrano II vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Nissan Terrano II is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Nissan Terrano II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Terrano II (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Terrano II should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 812 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Terrano II 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, 2001 Nissan Terrano II (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Nissan Terrano II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Nissan Terrano II | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Terrano II | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
