2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,486 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 590 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Nissan Frontier | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Frontier | Passat |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2486 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 152 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 232 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |