2005 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 90 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2560 mm |
