Volkswagen Passat B3 1.6 (72 Hp)


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 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.

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.

1.6 (72 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

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.

Best Use Case: Strictly urban environments and economical short trips.

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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 165/70 R14; 185/65 R14
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 5.5J x 14; 6J x 14
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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