2004 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1065 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2160 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
