Volkswagen Passat B3 2.0 16V GT (136 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Passat:

The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973 and also marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat — in saloon, estate, and hatchback body styles.
A "four-door coupé" variant of the Passat with a lower roof was released in the North American market in 2008 as the Passat CC, which was then renamed to Volkswagen CC. The CC was succeeded by the Arteon in 2017....(Read more on Wikipedia)

B3 Overview:

Volkswagen Passat (B3). With 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1355 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.8 s). The top speed reaches 204 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Volkswagen Passat B3 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, therefore no official star rating is available. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typical for vehicles of its era.

2.0 16V GT (136 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Combines strong performance with the convenience of an automatic, though slightly less sharp than the manual.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is slightly compromised compared to the manual version due to the automatic transmission.

Best Use Case: Comfort-oriented drivers seeking strong performance without manual gear changes.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical interior, especially for families.
  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful VR6.
  • • Robust build quality and durable mechanicals for its era.
  • • Comfortable ride quality, suitable for long journeys.
  • • Good value on the used car market.

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features by modern standards (no Euro NCAP rating).
  • • Base engines can feel underpowered, especially the non-turbo diesels.
  • • Interior plastics and trim can show age and wear.
  • • Higher-performance petrol engines can be thirsty.
  • • Potential for rust on older, neglected examples.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback (B2; facelift 1985): 1987 - 1988).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Passat
Generation:B3
Modification (Engine):2.0 16V GT (136 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1988
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:136 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.5 Hp/l [150mm more]
Torque:180 Nm @ 4400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:9A More details about the engine 9A
Engine displacement:1984
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:82.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:92.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.8 sec
Maximum speed:204 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10 kg/Hp, 100.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.5 kg/Nm, 132.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1355
Max. weight:1760
Max load:405
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:820 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:495 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4575 mm mm [150mm more]
Width:1705 mm mm [5mm less]
Height:1460 mm mm [75mm more]
Wheelbase:2625 mm mm [75mm more]
Front track:1480 mm
Rear (Back) track:1420 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/60 R14
Wheel rims size6J x 14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Passat. How does it handle on the road?