2009 Mazda CX-7 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda CX-7 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda CX-7 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, 2009 Mazda CX-7 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda CX-7 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | CX-7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
