2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1989 Volvo 740
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (129 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 740. (116 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 336 kg more than 1989 Volvo 740. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Volvo 740 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Volvo 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Passat (335 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 740. (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 1989 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | 740 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
