horsepower confusion

892 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Orjan, Nov 27, 2001

daxiang28

Discussion Starter · Nov 26, 2001

I've been driving around a 92 Acura legend LS with a 200 hp V6. My question is what are the differences in performance between my car and a new Passat (1.8T and V6) with rated horsepowers of 170 and 190 respectively?Is this 9 year old Acura faster than the current generation of Passats? Are they even on the same page when it comes to comparing these cars? I do like the way that my Acura accellerates and how quickly it jumps from a full stop. Will the 30 hp difference between the 1.8t and the Acura be noticeable?

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mintpassat

· #2 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (daxiang28)

You will definitely notice the difference between your 200hp V6 and the 170hp 1.8T. Mostly off the line, turbo lag. The car doesn't start to move until 2,000 rpms. But, I love the car and didn't feel the V6 was worth the extra $$ for 20hp.

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Paul6506

· #3 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (mintpassat)

Sounds like a simple test drive is in order........

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AlphaPepper

· #4 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (daxiang28)

Comparing the two Passat engines (1.8t and V6): The V6 offers smoother acceleration and is quieter at highway speeds. You'll get back most of the extra $$ if you ever decide to sell the car.
I assume your Legend has the 3.2L V6? I rode in a '93 Legend once and remember it having decent acceleration and a plush ride. I couldn't compare it to my Passat's V6 with manual tranny....two completely different cars in my opinion.
..Alpha

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StormChaser

· #5 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (daxiang28)

My old 1990 Acura Legend auto would have kicked the arse of a stock Passat 1.8T. Chipped manual 1.8T would be a close race. Overall, I would say the Legen was a tad sportier than my Passat, but not anymore (chipped)...

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MTBer

· #6 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (duandcc)

It isn't so much a comparison of horsepower. That is why you must take a few Passats in different configurations for test drives. What it is really about is transmission. In my not so humble opinion, tiptronic sucks. Partially because of the drive by wire throttle. The manual tranny is good but again the drive by wire really hampers starting and shifting. I can get to 60 faster in my '96 Accord LX coupe than in our wagon (getting off the line in the Accord is a breeze and it hits 62 redlined in 2nd). Of course out on the highway the wagon accelerates much, MUCH stronger. To confuse you further you should compare the acceleration numbers for the Passat and 3series. Last year when the 325 came with about 175 hp is was like 1sec faster than the Passat V6. This was partially due to weight but largely due to the fact that steptronic is a very quick shifting tranny.
That said we bought the V6 with manual because of the nice torque and driveablilty when out on the road, not for winning a drag race.

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skelton

· #7 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (MTBer)

Yes, torque is also important.
1992 Acura Legend LS 4 door or 2 door:
3200cc, 6 cylinders, SOHC, [email protected], 210lbs/[email protected]
2002 VW Passat 1.8T
1781cc, 4 cylinders, Variable Timing DOHC, [email protected], 166lbs/[email protected]
2002 VW Passat 2.8 V6
6 cylinders, Variable Timing DOHC, [email protected], 206lbs/[email protected]
IMO, the difference between Japanese cars and German cars is that Japanese car has to climb to high rev (eg., 6000rpm) to get power, while the 1.8T engine provides strong torque at low rev (1750rpm) and keeps strong to high rev. That's why I choose Passat 1.8T.
BTW, what is the fuel consumption for your Acura?

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daxiang28

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (skelton)

thanks for the help. the acura's got an 18 gal tank and uses abt 19 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway

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matt007

· #9 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (daxiang28)

19/24?
The Passat 1.8T should get about 24/31 after breakin

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Orjan

· #10 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: horsepower confusion (skelton)

If I were in your shoes with the somewhat limited engine choice, I'd take a V6 with manual trans - smooth, quick and great sound.
Unfortunatly for me, displacement is heavily taxed in Norway, so a 2.8 was out of the question

BTW, too bad you can't get TDIs over there:

quote:[HR][/HR]Yes, torque is also important.
1992 Acura Legend LS 4 door or 2 door:
3200cc, 6 cylinders, SOHC, [email protected], 210lbs/[email protected]
2002 VW Passat 1.8T
1781cc, 4 cylinders, Variable Timing DOHC, [email protected], 166lbs/[email protected]
2002 VW Passat 2.8 V6
6 cylinders, Variable Timing DOHC, [email protected], 206lbs/[email protected]
[HR][/HR]

My car: 2001 VW Passat TDI
1896cc, 4 cylinders, Turbo Diesel, Pumpe-Düse, [email protected], 228lbs/[email protected]
Fuel consumption: 37 mpg city/ 58 mpg highway

[Modified by Orjan, 3:08 PM 11-27-2001]

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