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Volkswagen Passat B4 2.8 VR6 (174 Hp) Automatic
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)
B4 Overview:
Volkswagen Passat (B4). With 235 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1355 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.4 s). The top speed reaches 218 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.
The Volkswagen Passat B4 was produced before Euro NCAP began its testing program in 1997, therefore no official Euro NCAP safety rating is available for this generation. It featured basic safety equipment for its time, such as ABS.
2.8 VR6 (174 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong, smooth acceleration for its era, though the automatic transmission slightly dulls its full potential compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, especially in urban driving, making it less economical for daily commutes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical interior with large boot capacity
- • Comfortable and composed ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Robust build quality and generally reliable mechanicals for its age
- • Excellent fuel economy from the TDI diesel engines
- • Wide range of engine options, from economical to powerful VR6
Cons:
- • Interior design is dated compared to modern vehicles
- • Some petrol engines (e.g., 1.8 90hp) can feel underpowered
- • Limited modern safety features due to its age (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Potential for rust on older, less well-maintained examples
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and impact fuel economy
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B3: 1991 - 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Passat |
| Generation: | B4 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.8 VR6 (174 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 174 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 62.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 235 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AAA [Same engine] More details about the engine AAA |
| Engine displacement: | 2792 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | VR-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 8.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 218 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 128.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1355 |
| Max. weight: | 1910 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 555 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 990 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 578 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4605 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Width: | 1720 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm [50mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2625 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1485 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1428 mm |
| Front overhang: | 915 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1065 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 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 | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Passat rank in your book?