2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 505 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3997 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
