2009 Subaru Legacy vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,455 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 607 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Subaru Legacy | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2455 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1633 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2560 mm |
