How does The 4MOTION system work on a Volkswagen Passat?
The system depends primarily on a Torsen center differential that allows the car to operate at a 50/50 torque allocation until one axle begins to slip, whereupon the differential sends more torque (up to 67 percent) to the axle with the greater adhesion. All this hardware adds mass, the Passat W-8 tipping our scales at a substantial 3980 pounds.
How big is the Volkswagen Passat W-8 4motion?
All this hardware adds mass, the Passat W-8 tipping our scales at a substantial 3980 pounds. One can feel the added heft on the road, where the Passat rides with a sense of deliberate control and with body motions that are slower and more rigorously damped than one feels in Passats of a lesser order.
What’s the 0 to 60 mph time on a VW Passat?
The vehicle we drove underwent performance testing at relatively low mileage (around 1000 miles), then continued to loosen up during the ensuing miles in a manner that was clearly noticeable. Thus, the company’s claim of a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds sounds defensible.
What are the balance shafts on a VW Passat?
Two balance shafts help to quell the vibes that arise from the flat (180 degree) crank chosen for the even power impulses it allows. With this novel system, VW has packaged a 4.0-liter, eight-cylinder powerplant in a compact unit to fit easily under the hood of a Passat.
When did the third generation Passat come out?
The third generation Passat was introduced in March 1988 in Europe, 1990 in North America, and 1995 in South America. The lack of a grille made the car’s front end styling reminiscent of older, rear-engined Volkswagens, such as the 411, and also doubled as a modern styling trend.
What kind of suspension does a Volkswagen Passat have?
It had a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle / coil spring setup at the rear. The SOHC 1.5-litre was enlarged to 1.6-litre in August 1975 with unchanged power ratings and slightly higher torque ratings.