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Volkswagen Passat B3 1.8 (90 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 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1155 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.2 s). The top speed reaches 172 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.
1.8 (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A well-balanced engine, providing adequate power for most driving situations without feeling strained.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size, suitable for everyday use.
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): | 1.8 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.5 Hp/l [170mm more] |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | RP, ABS More details about the engine RP, ABS |
| Engine displacement: | 1781 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 172 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.8 kg/Hp, 77.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8 kg/Nm, 125.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1155 |
| Max. weight: | 1700 |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1500 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 495 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4595 mm [170mm more] |
| Width: | 1704 mm [6mm less] |
| Height: | 1445 mm [60mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2623 mm [73mm more] |
| Front track: | 1479 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1422 mm |
| 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension |
What’s the best feature of the Volkswagen Passat? Tell us in the comments!