1998 Volkswagen Passat GLS - First Test
Front suspension design is also shared with the A4-multilink strut and coil spring setup with its remarkable virtual-center steering axis-while the rear gets a revised version of the previous-generation Passat's torsion beam with trailing arms and anti-roll bar. This very responsive combination with its feathery-light feel netted an impressive 64.0-mph speed through the slalom (bettering the performances of both the Accord and Camry) and a respectable 0.78-lateral-g orbit on the skidpad.
To say we were impressed with the general quality and performance of the new Passat would be an understatement. It would be more appropriate to say that Volkswagen now offers a more-than-competent German-made alternative in the midsize-car market. This competitive market just got more crowded by one.
| TECH DATA |
| VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS SEDAN |
| GENERAL |
| Location of final assembly | Emden, Germany |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-passenger |
| EPA size class | Midsize |
| Drivetrain layout | Front engine, front drive |
| Airbag | Dual front, dual side |
| POWERTRAIN |
| Engine type | I-4, turbocharged |
| | cast iron block/ aluminum head |
| Bore x stroke, in./mm | 3.19 x 3.4 / 79.7 x 86.3 |
| Displacement, ci/cc | 109/1781 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Valve gear | DOHC, 5 valves/cylinder |
| Fuel/induction system | Sequential multipoint EFI |
| Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net | 150 @ 5700 |
| Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net | 155 @ 1750 |
| Horsepower/liter | 84.2 |
| Redline, rpm | 6500 |
| Transmission type | 5-speed manual |
| Recommended fuel | Premium unleaded |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wheelbase, in./mm | 106.4/2702 |
| Track, f / r, in./mm | 59.0/59.1 / 1498/1501 |
| Length, in./mm | 184.1/4676 |
| Width, in./mm | 68.5 /1739 |
| Height, in./mm | 57.4 /1457 |
| Ground clearance, in./mm | 4.3/109 |
| Base curb weight, lb | 3120 |
| Weight distribution, f/r, % | 60/40 |
| Cargo capacity, cu ft | 15.3 |
| Fuel capacity, gal.. | 18.5 |
| Weight/power ratio, lb/hp | 20.8 |
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