2008 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2008 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 28 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 3,950 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1215 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.

Because 2008 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2008 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2008 Land Rover Discovery (340 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Land Rover Discovery has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Land Rover Discovery 1980 Volkswagen Passat
Make Land Rover Volkswagen
Model Discovery Passat
Year Released 2008 1980
Body Type SUV Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3950 cc 1781 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 0 HP 89 HP
Torque 340 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 2600 RPM 3200 RPM
Engine Bore Size 94.1 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 71.1 mm 86.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.3:1 10.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 2175 kg 960 kg
Vehicle Length 4980 mm 4440 mm
Vehicle Height 1910 mm 1390 mm
Wheelbase Size 2550 mm 2560 mm