2005 Acura RL vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Acura RL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura RL (296 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura RL weights approximately 462 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2005 Acura RL (353 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura RL | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1807 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
