Volkswagen Passat B3 1.6 (72 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 120 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). Weighing only 1106 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.1 s). The top speed reaches 169 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.
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.
1.6 (72 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very basic performance, best suited for light city use where speed is not a priority.
Fuel Economy
Likely similar to the 75hp variant, offering reasonable economy for its limited power.
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): | 1.6 (72 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 72 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.1 Hp/l [148mm more] |
| Torque: | 120 Nm @ 2700 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 1F More details about the engine 1F |
| Engine displacement: | 1595 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 77.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 169 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.4 kg/Hp, 65.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1106 |
| Max. weight: | 1620 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 514 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1012 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 578 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 550 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4573 mm mm [148mm more] |
| Width: | 1704 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Height: | 1428 mm mm [43mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2623 mm mm [73mm more] |
| Front track: | 1479 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1422 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 165/70 R14; 185/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5.5J x 14; 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |

















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