Volkswagen Passat: generations compared: what changed in the numbers

Do not reread the same “11th generation” label: pokoleniy is 11; the rows below are the nine generations that are shown.

Do not reread the same “11th generation” label: pokoleniy is 11; the rows below are the nine generations that are shown.

GenerationYearsBodyVersions in catalogue (of listed count)Tank, LTypical kerb in listed rows, kgGround clearance
8 generation, restyling2019-02-01 — stop not measuredEstate 5-door12 of 23661545–1790 (some not measured)not measured
7 generation2010-09-01 — 2015-01-31Estate 5-door12 of 46681473–1726137–165 mm
6 generation2005-03-01 — 2011-02-28Estate 5-door12 of 91701400–1550150 mm
5 generation, restyling2000-10-01 — 2005-02-28Estate 5-door12 of 70621278–1545110–130 mm
5 generation1996-08-01 — 2001-01-31Estate 5-door12 of 60621315–1590 (some not measured)110–130 mm
4 generation1993-10-01 — 1997-05-31Sedan12 of 39701155–1356 (some not measured)110–120 mm
3 generation1988-03-01 — 1993-09-30Estate 5-door12 of 53701100–1222 (some not measured)120–150 mm
2 generation1980-01-01 — 1988-12-31Sedan12 of 6160946–1077 (some not measured)145 mm (one not measured)
1 generation1973-01-01 — 1981-12-31Estate 5-door12 of 2245885–910 (most not measured)180 mm

Kerb weight on the lightest listed 1 generation 1.3 MT 55 hp (885 kg) versus the heaviest listed 8 generation, restyling 2.0 DSG 240 hp Diesel AWD (1790 kg) is +905 kg. Tank volume is 45 L in 1 generation, 60 L in 2 generation, 70 L in 3 generation, 4 generation and 6 generation, 62 L in both 5 generation rows, 68 L in 7 generation, 66 L in 8 generation, restyling. Ground clearance falls from 180 mm (1 generation) to 145 mm (2 generation), then 110–150 mm through 3 generation–6 generation, 137–165 mm in 7 generation, and is not measured for every 8 generation, restyling version. Wheel sizes are measured only on later petrol/diesel rows of 8 generation, restyling (215/60 R16, 215/55 R17, 235/45 R18, 235/40 R19; 1.4 MT and 1.4 DSG omit R19) and on 7 generation 1.8 MT / 1.8 DSG 152 hp (215/55 R16, 235/45 R17). Elsewhere wheels are not measured.

Engines and specs: every listed version

Use the names exactly as in the database. Duplicate names are split by power, fuel, drive and kerb.

8 generation, restyling (Estate 5-door, from 2019-02-01)

VersionhpNmccFuelCyl / layoutBoostGearboxDrive
GTE 1.4 DSG2182501395Plug-in4 InlineTurboRobotic 6FWD
1.6 DSG1202501598Diesel4 InlineTurboRobotic 7FWD
2.0 DSG1904001968Diesel4 InlineTurboRobotic 7AWD
2.0 DSG1904001968Diesel4 InlineTurboRobotic 7FWD
2.0 DSG2405001968Diesel4 InlineTurboRobotic 7AWD
2.0 DSG1903201984Gasoline4 InlineTurboRobotic 7FWD
2.0 DSG2723501984Gasoline4 InlineTurboRobotic 7AWD
2.0 DSG1904001968Diesel4 InlineTurboRobotic 7AWD
2.0 DSG2405001968Diesel4 InlineTurboRobotic 7AWD
2.0 DSG2723501984Gasoline4 InlineTurboRobotic 7AWD
1.4 MT1502501395Gasoline4 InlineTurboManual 6FWD
1.4 DSG1502501395Gasoline4 InlineTurboRobotic 7FWD

The two 2.0 DSG 190 hp Diesel AWD rows are not identical: 7.9 s / 225 km/h / 5.0 L mixed / 132 g/km / 1690 kg versus 8.0 s / 223 km/h / 5.1 L mixed / 133 g/km / 1725 kg. The two 2.0 DSG 240 hp Diesel AWD rows: 6.7 s / 241 km/h / 1770 kg versus 6.8 s / 239 km/h / 1790 kg (mixed 5.9 L both; CO2 156 vs 157). The two 2.0 DSG 272 hp Gasoline AWD rows: 5.8 s / 1680 kg versus 5.9 s / 1695 kg (250 km/h, 7.1 L mixed, 163 g/km both).

7 generation (Estate 5-door, 2010-09-01 — 2015-01-31)

2.0 DSG 210 hp Gasoline AWD; 1.8 MT 160 hp Gasoline AWD; 2.0 MT 140 hp Diesel AWD; 2.0 DSG 170 hp Diesel AWD; 2.0 MT 177 hp Diesel AWD; 1.4 MT 122 hp Gasoline FWD; 1.4 DSG 122 hp Gasoline FWD; 1.8 MT 152 hp Gasoline FWD; 1.8 DSG 152 hp Gasoline FWD; 1.4 MT 160 hp Gasoline FWD; 1.4 DSG 160 hp Gasoline FWD; 2.0 DSG 210 hp Gasoline FWD. All 4 Inline Turbo. Gearboxes: Manual 6 or Robotic 6/7 as named.

6 generation (Estate 5-door, 2005-03-01 — 2011-02-28)

1.4 MT 122 hp; 1.4 DSG 122 hp; 1.8 MT 152 hp; 1.8 DSG 152 hp; 1.6 MT 102 hp (boost No); 2.0 MT 150 hp Gasoline AWD (boost No); 1.6 MT 115 hp; 1.6 AT 115 hp Automatic 6; 1.8 AT 152 hp; 1.8 MT 160 hp; 1.8 DSG 160 hp Robotic 6; 2.0 MT 150 hp Gasoline FWD (boost No).

5 generation, restyling (Estate 5-door, 2000-10-01 — 2005-02-28)

2.8 AT 193 hp Gasoline 6 V-shaped Automatic 5 FWD; 1.6 MT 102 hp; 1.6 AT 102 hp Automatic 4; 1.8 MT 150 hp Turbo; 1.8 MT 170 hp Turbo FWD; 1.8 MT 170 hp Turbo AWD; 1.8 AT 170 hp FWD; 1.8 AT 170 hp AWD; 2.0 MT 115 hp AWD; 2.0 MT 130 hp FWD; 2.3 MT 170 hp 5 V-shaped FWD; 2.3 AT 170 hp 5 V-shaped Automatic 5 FWD.

5 generation (Estate 5-door, 1996-08-01 — 2001-01-31)

1.8 AT 115 hp (Nm not measured); 1.8 MT 115 hp (Nm not measured); 1.8 MT 125 hp AWD; 1.8 AT 125 hp AWD; 1.8 MT 150 hp Turbo FWD; 2.0 MT 120 hp FWD; 2.0 MT 120 hp AWD; 2.3 AT 150 hp 5 V-shaped; 2.3 MT 150 hp 5 V low angle FWD; 2.3 MT 150 hp 5 V low angle AWD; 2.8 AT 180 hp 6 V-shaped AWD (Nm not measured); 2.8 MT 180 hp 6 V-shaped AWD (Nm not measured).

4 generation (Sedan, 1993-10-01 — 1997-05-31)

1.6 MT 101 hp; 1.8 AT 90 hp; 1.8 MT 90 hp; 1.8 MT 160 hp Compressor AWD; 2.0 MT 107 hp (Nm not measured); 2.0 AT 107 hp (Nm not measured); 2.0 MT 115 hp FWD; 2.0 AT 115 hp; 2.0 MT 115 hp AWD; 2.0 AT 150 hp; 2.0 MT 150 hp; 2.8 AT 174 hp 6 V-shaped.

3 generation (Estate 5-door, 1988-03-01 — 1993-09-30)

1.6 MT 80 hp Diesel Turbo; 1.9 MT 68 hp Diesel boost No; 1.9 MT 75 hp Diesel boost No; 1.9 MT 90 hp Diesel Turbo; 1.6 MT 72 hp Gasoline; 1.6 MT 75 hp Gasoline; 1.8 MT 75 hp; 1.8 MT 90 hp; 1.8 AT 90 hp; 1.8 MT 107 hp; 1.8 AT 107 hp; 1.8 AT 112 hp.

2 generation (Sedan, 1980-01-01 — 1988-12-31)

1.6 MT 69 hp Diesel Turbo; 1.6 MT 72 hp Gasoline 1595 cc; 1.6 MT 75 hp; 1.6 MT 70 hp 1600 cc (Nm not measured); 1.8 MT 87 hp (Nm not measured); 1.8 MT 90 hp; 2.0 MT 116 hp 5 Inline; 2.2 MT 115 hp 5 Inline; 1.3 MT 55 hp; 1.3 MT 60 hp 1272 cc 100 Nm; 1.3 MT 60 hp 1296 cc 88 Nm; 1.6 MT 72 hp (second 1595 cc row, 14.7 s).

1 generation (Estate 5-door, 1973-01-01 — 1981-12-31)

1.3 MT 55 hp 1272 cc (Nm not measured); 1.3 MT 60 hp 1289 cc; 1.5 MT 75 hp 1500 cc Gasoline (Nm not measured); 1.5 MT 86 hp; 1.6 MT 75 hp 1588 cc; 1.6 MT 85 hp; 1.6 MT 110 hp; 1.5 MT 50 hp Diesel; 1.6 MT 54 hp Diesel; 1.3 MT 55 hp 1297 cc 91 Nm; 1.5 MT 75 hp 1471 cc 114 Nm; 1.6 MT 75 hp 1588 cc (second listed 13.0 s row).

Performance and economy

Fastest listed 0–100: 8 generation, restyling 2.0 DSG 272 hp AWD at 5.8 s (second row 5.9 s). Slowest measured: 3 generation 1.9 MT 68 hp Diesel at 19.4 s. Highest top speed: 250 km/h on both 2.0 DSG 272 hp rows; 1.6 DSG 120 hp is 199 km/h.

Power per litre (hp ÷ litres, listed displacement / 1000):

kg per hp (kerb ÷ hp), where kerb is measured:

FWD versus AWD on the same 190 hp Diesel 2.0 DSG (8 generation, restyling): AWD adds 90 kg (1690 vs 1600), cuts 0–100 by 0.2 s (7.9 vs 8.1), lowers top speed by 7 km/h (225 vs 232), raises mixed consumption by 0.4 L/100 km (5.0 vs 4.6) and CO2 by 12 g/km (132 vs 120). Payload (gross − kerb): FWD 590 kg; AWD 590 kg on the 1690 kg row; 595 kg on the 1725 kg AWD row.

Gasoline 190 vs 272 on 2.0 DSG: +82 hp, +30 Nm, AWD instead of FWD, 0–100 5.8 vs 7.7 s (−1.9 s), top speed 250 vs 232 (+18), mixed 7.1 vs 6.4 (+0.7 L), city 9.0 vs 8.4, highway 6.1 vs 5.3, CO2 163 vs 146, kerb +110 kg (1680 vs 1570).

Diesel 190 vs 240 AWD 2.0 DSG: +50 hp, +100 Nm, 0–100 6.7 vs 7.9 s (−1.2 s), 241 vs 225 km/h, mixed 5.9 vs 5.0 (+0.9 L), city 6.9 vs 5.8, highway 5.4 vs 4.6, CO2 156 vs 132, kerb +80 kg.

GTE 1.4 DSG versus 1.6 DSG: +98 hp, same 250 Nm, 0–100 7.6 vs 11.5 s (−3.9 s), 222 vs 199 km/h, mixed 1.1 vs 4.3 (−3.2 L/100 km), CO2 26 vs 113 (−87 g/km). City and highway for GTE are not measured. GTE is 209 kg heavier (1754 vs 1545). Eco class Euro 6 on GTE and the DSG diesels/gasoline; 1.4 MT and 1.4 DSG 150 hp are Euro 5. Fuel for GTE and the 150/190/272 gasoline engines is 95; diesels are Diesel.

Manual versus Robotic on the same 150 hp 1.4 (8 generation, restyling): 1.4 MT Manual 6 versus 1.4 DSG Robotic 7 — 0–100, top speed, city, highway, mixed, CO2, kerb and gross are not measured on both. Tank 66 L both.

7 generation 1.4 122 hp MT vs DSG: 0–100 both 10.6 s, 200 km/h both; mixed 6.3 vs 6.4; city 8.1 vs 8.2; highway 5.1 vs 5.3; CO2 145 vs 148; DSG is +24 kg (1497 vs 1473). 1.8 152 hp MT vs DSG: 0–100 both 9.0 s; top speed 214 vs 212; mixed 7.0 vs 7.2; DSG +21 kg.

6 generation 1.8 152 hp MT vs DSG: MT 8.8 s / 217 km/h / 7.8 mixed; DSG 9.0 s / 212 / 8.4 mixed — Robotic is 0.2 s slower and 0.6 L/100 km thirstier here. 1.8 DSG 160 hp mixed 7.4 L is 1.0 L below the 152 hp DSG.

City/highway not measured on GTE, on both 150 hp 1.4 rows, on many 5 generation / 4 generation / 2 generation / 1 generation versions, and on 3 generation 1.9 MT 90 hp, 1.6 MT 75 hp, both 1.8 AT 107/112 hp.

Dimensions and weight

8 generation, restyling: kerb 1545 kg (1.6 DSG) to 1790 kg (2.0 DSG 240 hp, heavier AWD row). Gross 2120–2370 kg. 1.4 MT and 1.4 DSG kerb, gross, 0–100, consumption, CO2: not measured. Clearance: not measured. Tank 66 L all twelve. Front brakes Ventilated disc, rear Disc (catalogue spelling), suspension Independent, spring front and rear.

7 generation clearance is 165 mm on AWD rows, 155 mm on most FWD, 137 mm on both 1.4 160 hp rows — 28 mm less than the 165 mm AWD cars.

5 generation, restyling 2.8 AT 193 hp is 1545 kg kerb — the same figure as 8 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG, with 110 mm clearance versus not measured. 2.8 AT top speed 238 km/h; 0–100, consumption and CO2 not measured.

Payload on 1 generation 1.6 MT 75 hp: 1200 − 910 = 290 kg. On 8 generation, restyling 2.0 DSG 272 hp 1680 kg: 2230 − 1680 = 550 kg. Extra mass in later cars is not only payload: the lightest 2 generation 1.8 MT 90 hp is 946 kg; the lightest 8 generation, restyling with a measured kerb is 1545 kg (+599 kg).

Which version to choose

Buy new-era economy (plug-in): GTE 1.4 DSG. Highest hp/L in the table (156.3), lowest mixed figure (1.1 L/100 km) and lowest CO2 (26 g/km). You pay 209 kg versus 1.6 DSG and 184 kg versus 2.0 DSG 190 hp Gasoline. City/highway consumption is not measured, so the 1.1 L mixed figure cannot be split.

Buy Diesel mileage without a plug: 1.6 DSG 120 hp if 11.5 s and 199 km/h are acceptable — lowest kerb (1545 kg) and lowest mixed Diesel use (4.3 L). If you need mid-pack speed, 2.0 DSG 190 hp Diesel FWD (8.1 s, 4.6 L mixed, 120 g/km) beats the AWD twins on consumption by 0.4–0.5 L and on CO2 by 12–13 g/km. Take AWD only if drive layout is the requirement: the extra 90–125 kg does not buy a higher top speed (it is lower).

Buy Diesel performance: 2.0 DSG 240 hp AWD, preferably the 1770 kg / 6.7 s / 241 km/h row over the 1790 kg / 6.8 s / 239 km/h row. Versus 190 hp AWD you spend 0.9 L/100 km extra mixed for 1.2 s and 16 km/h.

Buy Gasoline performance: 2.0 DSG 272 hp AWD, 1680 kg / 5.8 s row. Best kg/hp (6.18) and the only 250 km/h pair. Mixed 7.1 L is 2.5 L above the 190 hp Diesel FWD and 0.7 L above the 190 hp Gasoline FWD.

Buy Gasoline without AWD on the current estate: 2.0 DSG 190 hp Gasoline FWD — 7.7 s, 232 km/h, 6.4 L mixed, 1570 kg. Versus Diesel 190 FWD you give 1.8 L/100 km mixed and 26 g/km CO2 to gain 0.4 s and the same 232 km/h.

Avoid if you need measured performance: 1.4 MT and 1.4 DSG 150 hp on 8 generation, restyling — power and torque are listed (150 hp, 250 Nm) but 0–100, top speed, all consumption, CO2, kerb and gross are not measured.

Used, 7 generation (to 2015-01-31): 2.0 DSG 210 hp FWD is 7.7 s and 233 km/h at 1507 kg — 0.1 s quicker than the later 190 hp Gasoline 2.0 DSG, with mixed 7.9 L versus 6.4 L (later car uses 1.5 L less). The AWD 210 hp row is 200 kg heavier and 0.1 s slower (7.8 s), top speed 212 km/h (−21). For Diesel in this generation, 2.0 MT 177 hp AWD (8.7 s, 5.9 mixed) versus 2.0 DSG 170 hp AWD (8.9 s, 5.9 mixed): +7 hp and Manual instead of Robotic, same mixed, 0.2 s quicker. 1.4 MT 160 hp (8.7 s, 6.2 mixed, 137 mm clearance) is the high-output small gasoline; 1.4 MT 122 hp is 1.9 s slower with only 0.1 L more mixed.

Used, 6 generation: 1.8 MT 160 hp (8.8 s, 7.8 mixed, 186 g/km Euro 4) or 1.8 DSG 160 hp (8.7 s, 7.4 mixed) beat the 152 hp twins on consumption when DSG 160 is compared with DSG 152 (7.4 vs 8.4). 1.6 MT 102 hp is the slow naturally aspirated pick (12.3 s, 8.0 mixed). 1.6 AT 115 hp is 1.4 s slower than 1.6 MT 115 hp (13.1 vs 11.7) and 0.3 L thirstier mixed.

Used, 5 generation (pre-restyle) if you want six cylinders: 2.8 MT 180 hp AWD, 7.8 s and 233 km/h — matches later 210 hp FWD 0–100, with mixed 11.0 L versus 7.9 L on 7 generation 2.0 DSG 210 hp FWD (+3.1 L). 2.8 AT 180 hp AWD is 10.0 s (−2.2 s versus the MT). 2.3 MT 150 hp FWD (9.3 s) versus 2.3 AT 150 hp (11.1 s): Automatic costs 1.8 s. Nm on both 2.8 rows is not measured.

Used, 5 generation, restyling: 1.8 MT 170 hp FWD (9.2 s, 221 km/h) versus 1.8 MT 150 hp (9.4 s, 214 km/h): +20 hp, −0.2 s, +7 km/h; consumption on the 170 hp FWD/AWD and both 1.8 AT 170 hp is not measured except where listed for the 150. 2.8 AT 193 hp: 238 km/h, 0–100 not measured. 1.8 MT 170 hp AWD: 0–100, top speed and consumption all not measured; kerb 1385 vs 1315 FWD (+70 kg).

Used, 4 generation Sedan: 1.8 MT 160 hp Compressor AWD is the power outlier (160 hp, 220 Nm); 0–100, top speed and consumption not measured. Measured pace: 2.0 MT 115 hp FWD 11.8 s / 195 km/h; AWD 11.7 s / 191 km/h. 1.8 MT 90 hp 14.2 s / 172 km/h, mixed 8.3 L.

Used, 3 generation estate: skip 1.9 MT 68 hp (19.4 s) unless you only need Diesel and boost No. 1.8 MT 107 hp is 12.3 s / 190 km/h versus 1.8 MT 90 hp 14.0 s / 173 km/h. 1.9 MT 90 hp Turbo Diesel: 0–100, top speed and consumption not measured.

Used, 2 generation Sedan: 2.0 MT 116 hp 5 Inline (10.5 s, 184 km/h) versus 2.2 MT 115 hp 5 Inline (10.6 s, 192 km/h): 1 hp less but +8 km/h and +34 kg (1077 vs 1043). 1.3 MT 55 hp is 18.0 s / 148 km/h. Consumption is not measured on all twelve 2 generation rows.

Used, 1 generation: only three rows have 0–100: 1.6 MT 75 hp 13.0 s / 164 km/h (910 kg), 1.5 MT 75 hp 1471 cc 13.5 s / 160 km/h (900 kg), 1.3 MT 55 hp 1297 cc 18.0 s / 148 km/h (885 kg). The 1.6 MT 110 hp and both Diesels (1.5 MT 50 hp, 1.6 MT 54 hp) have 0–100, top speed, consumption, kerb (except where listed) not measured. Clearance 180 mm is the highest in the catalogue.

What “extra money” buys in the data (no prices listed): moving from 1.6 DSG 120 hp to 2.0 DSG 190 hp Diesel FWD buys 70 hp, 3.4 s, 33 km/h, and costs 0.3 L mixed and 55 kg. Moving from that FWD Diesel to 2.0 DSG 272 hp AWD buys 82 hp, 2.3 s, 18 km/h, AWD, and costs 2.5 L mixed, 43 g/km CO2 and 80 kg. Moving from 7 generation 2.0 DSG 210 hp FWD to 8 generation, restyling 2.0 DSG 190 hp Gasoline FWD trades 20 hp for 1.5 L less mixed, 34 g/km less CO2 (180 vs 146), and Euro 6 instead of Euro 5. Two generations are not in the nine shown tables; do not invent them.