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Volkswagen Passat Variant (B1) 1.6 (85 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)
Variant (B1) Overview:
Volkswagen Passat (Variant (B1)). With 127 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.1 l/100km). Weighing only 920 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 172 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.6 (85 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A more capable version of the 1.6L, delivering a noticeable improvement in acceleration and making highway cruising more comfortable for the period.
Fuel Economy
Slightly less economical than the 75 Hp variant, but still offers acceptable fuel efficiency for its increased power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent practicality and cargo space for its size and era
- • Robust and generally reliable mechanicals (for its time)
- • Good fuel economy, especially with diesel options
- • Simple, straightforward design and maintenance
- • Historical significance as a foundational VW model
Cons:
- • Very basic safety features by modern standards
- • Modest performance across most engine variants
- • Interior comfort and refinement are rudimentary
- • Lack of modern amenities and technology
- • Rust can be a significant issue on unrestored examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Variant (B1): 1974 - 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Passat |
| Generation: | Variant (B1) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (85 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1975 |
| End of production: | 1980 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 85 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 53.5 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 127 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | YP More details about the engine YP |
| Engine displacement: | 1588 |
| 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: | 3 l |
| Coolant: | 4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 172 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 138 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 920 |
| Max. weight: | 1420 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1461 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 699 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 450 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4265 mm |
| Width: | 1615 mm |
| Height: | 1359 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2469 mm |
| Front track: | 1341 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1349 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 122 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.3 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc, 238.76 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 180.34 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Volkswagen Passat?