2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 131 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.2 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1189 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
