Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Passat Variant (B1) 1.5 D (50 Hp)
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)
Variant (B1) Overview:
Volkswagen Passat (Variant (B1)). With 82 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 945 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 142 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.5 D (50 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The lowest-powered diesel, offering very basic performance. Primarily designed for maximum fuel efficiency and extreme durability, not speed.
Fuel Economy
Exceptional fuel economy for its era, making it an incredibly cheap car to run over long distances, albeit at a very relaxed pace.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent practicality and cargo space for its size and era
- • Robust and generally reliable mechanicals (for its time)
- • Good fuel economy, especially with diesel options
- • Simple, straightforward design and maintenance
- • Historical significance as a foundational VW model
Cons:
- • Very basic safety features by modern standards
- • Modest performance across most engine variants
- • Interior comfort and refinement are rudimentary
- • Lack of modern amenities and technology
- • Rust can be a significant issue on unrestored examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Variant (B1): 1975 - 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Passat |
| Generation: | Variant (B1) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 D (50 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1978 |
| End of production: | 1980 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 50 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 34 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 82 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | CK More details about the engine CK |
| Engine displacement: | 1471 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 23.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.5 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 142 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 18.9 kg/Hp, 52.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.5 kg/Nm, 86.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 22.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 945 |
| Max. weight: | 1420 |
| Max load: | 475 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1461 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 699 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 750 kg |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 450 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4265 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1615 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1359 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2469 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1341 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1349 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 122 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.3 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 | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc, 238.76 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 180.34 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Volkswagen Passat!