2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 295 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 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2324 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
