Volkswagen Passat B5 2.3 VR5 (150 Hp) Syncro


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
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)

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.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 1997
Adult Occupant 19 points (56%)
Stars 3
Expert Note:
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:

Rating 4 stars

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.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving, all-weather performance.

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 wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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