Volkswagen Passat B3 1.6 TD (80 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 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)

B3 Overview:

Volkswagen Passat (B3). With 155 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7 l/100km). Weighing only 1190 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16 s). The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

1.6 TD (80 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers reasonable torque for a small diesel, but acceleration is leisurely, requiring patience.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy for its era, making it a cost-effective choice for longer journeys.

Best Use Case: Economical long-distance commuting and mixed driving.

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(B2: 1987 - 1988).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Passat
Generation:B3
Modification (Engine):1.6 TD (80 Hp)
Start of production:1988
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:4
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:80 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.4 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
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, Intercooler
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 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:16 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14.9 kg/Hp, 67.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.7 kg/Nm, 130.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:15.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1190
Max. weight:1740
Max load:550
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:580 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4575 mm [140mm more]
Width:1705 mm [20mm more]
Height:1460 mm [75mm more]
Wheelbase:2625 mm [75mm more]
Front track:1480 mm
Rear (Back) track:1420 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 size185/65 R14
Wheel rims size6J x 14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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