2005 Porsche 996 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 is newer by 25 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 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 996 weights approximately 419 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 2005 Porsche 996 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, 2005 Porsche 996 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, 2005 Porsche 996 (560 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 393 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Porsche 996 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 996 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3589 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
