2001 Opel Astra vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (67 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 30 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
Because 2001 Opel Astra 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 2001 Opel Astra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (124 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Opel Astra | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 437 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7350 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
