Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Passat B5 2.5 TDI (150 Hp) Syncro
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)
B5 Overview:
Volkswagen Passat (B5). With 310 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1475 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 216 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.
Achieved a respectable 3-star rating for adult occupant protection in 1997, which was competitive for its era, though modern standards are significantly higher.
2.5 TDI (150 Hp) Syncro Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong torque and decent acceleration, enhanced by Syncro AWD traction for all-weather capability.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for its power, though Syncro adds a slight penalty.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Premium interior quality and comfortable ride.
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines, especially TDI.
- • Solid build quality and refined driving experience.
- • Spacious cabin and large boot capacity.
- • Excellent value on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Some engines (e.g., 2.5 TDI V6, early 1.8T) have known reliability issues.
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and less fuel-efficient.
- • Older models may suffer from rust and electrical gremlins.
- • Parts can be more expensive than some competitors.
- • Base petrol engines can feel underpowered.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Variant (B5): 1997 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Passat |
| Generation: | B5 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 TDI (150 Hp) Syncro |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 60.1 Hp/l [5mm less] |
| Torque: | 310 Nm @ 1500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AKN, AFB More details about the engine AKN, AFB |
| Engine displacement: | 2496 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.4 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 78.3 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 216 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.8 kg/Hp, 101.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.8 kg/Nm, 210.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1475 |
| Max. weight: | 2030 |
| Max load: | 555 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 745 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 400 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4670 mm [5mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1460 mm [1mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm [3mm less] |
| Front track: | 1498 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1500 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Is the Volkswagen Passat the king of its class? Share your thoughts.