2001 Pontiac Montana vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Montana 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 3,391 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Montana (185 HP) has 126 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 780 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.
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 Pontiac Montana (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Montana | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montana | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3391 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
