Volkswagen Passat Variant (B3) 1.6 TD (80 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.2 / 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)

Variant (B3) Overview:

Volkswagen Passat (Variant (B3)). With 155 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7 l/100km). Weighing only 1215 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.2 s). The top speed reaches 164 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 TD (80 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A modest performer, offering adequate power for daily tasks but feeling sluggish on highways.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy for its era, making it a very cost-effective option for long-distance driving.

Best Use Case: Long-distance commuting / Economy focus

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical Variant (estate) body style
  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful VR6 and G60
  • • Robust and generally reliable mechanicals for its era
  • • Comfortable ride quality, suitable for long journeys
  • • Good build quality and durable interior materials

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features compared to modern standards
  • • Some engines can be underpowered or thirsty
  • • Age-related issues like rust and electrical problems are common now
  • • Interior design is functional but lacks flair
  • • Automatic transmissions can be slow and less efficient

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback (B2; facelift 1985): 1987 - 1988).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Passat
Generation:Variant (B3)
Modification (Engine):1.6 TD (80 Hp)
Start of production:1988
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:80 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.4 Hp/l [170mm more]
Torque:155 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:RA, SB More details about the engine RA, SB
Engine displacement:1588
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:76.5 mm
Piston Stroke:86.4 mm
Compression ratio:23:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:16.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:16.2 sec
Maximum speed:164 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.2 kg/Hp, 65.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.8 kg/Nm, 127.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:15.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1215
Max. weight:1760
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1500 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:465 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4595 mm [170mm more]
Width:1720 mm [10mm more]
Height:1445 mm [60mm more]
Wheelbase:2625 mm [75mm more]
Front track:1479 mm
Rear (Back) track:1422 mm
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 [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSuspension with traction connecting levers

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