Volkswagen Passat B5 2.3 VR5 (150 Hp) Syncro
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)
B5 Overview:
Volkswagen Passat (B5). With 205 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1430 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 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.
Achieved a respectable 3-star rating for adult occupant protection in 1997, which was competitive for its era, though modern standards are significantly higher.
2.3 VR5 (150 Hp) Syncro Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Unique VR5 engine offers smooth power and good acceleration, aided by Syncro for improved grip.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption, likely higher than 1.8T but acceptable for a VR5.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Premium interior quality and comfortable ride.
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines, especially TDI.
- • Solid build quality and refined driving experience.
- • Spacious cabin and large boot capacity.
- • Excellent value on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Some engines (e.g., 2.5 TDI V6, early 1.8T) have known reliability issues.
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and less fuel-efficient.
- • Older models may suffer from rust and electrical gremlins.
- • Parts can be more expensive than some competitors.
- • Base petrol engines can feel underpowered.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B4: 1996 - 1996).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Passat |
| Generation: | B5 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 VR5 (150 Hp) Syncro |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.5 Hp/l [65mm more] |
| Torque: | 205 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AGZ More details about the engine AGZ |
| Engine displacement: | 2324 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.7 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 218 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.5 kg/Hp, 104.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 143.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Max. weight: | 1980 |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 745 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 400 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4670 mm mm [65mm more] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Height: | 1460 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [75mm more] |
| Front track: | 1498 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1500 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |




















Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Passat rank in your book?