2005 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 11 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Golf (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1331 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
