2003 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,807 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (260 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (136 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 1102 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (393 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tahoe | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4807 cc | 2226 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2262 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
