2004 Toyota Highlander vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Toyota Highlander is newer by 24 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 765 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.
Because 2004 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Toyota Highlander (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota Highlander | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 45 L |
