2002 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 14 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 905 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 13.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2035 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
