Impressions of a 2002 Passat 1.8T Wagon vs a 2000 A6 2.8 Frontrak
12-10-2001, 07:28 AM
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Impressions of a 2002 Passat 1.8T Wagon vs a 2000 A6 2.8 Frontrak
I got the opportunity to drive my son's newly leased 2002 Passat Wagon with the 1.8T engine. I couldn't resist comparing it to my A6. Here are my impressions:
Engine: Passat offers slightly less power than the A6. The power delivery is less refined than the A6. The Passat engine is course-sounding, rather like a honda four-banger under load. The 1.8T engine is about as torquey as the 2.8. I'm glad the A6 1.8T stayed in Europe.
Handling: The Passat steering has a sportier feel than the A6. I think we all agree that the A6 steering is a tad overpowered. The Passat feels remarkably like the A6 in terms of cornering, squat, and dive. The A6 has slightly less body roll than the Passat in turns.
Interior: The VW tan leather is very orange-looking, kind of like the tan leather that BMW uses. The A6 melange leather is classer in all respects. The A6 has, by far, the better interior although you can see the Passat's Audi heritage. The Passat I drive had no wood so the A6 won hands-down in interior ambiance IMHO. The A6 was also MUCH quieter inside than the Passat. The A6 is also a much more roomy car. The Passat felt a bit tight for a wide-body like me but not as tight as the A4's I have driven. I prefer Audi's dash layout to the VW. I've never been a fan of blue lighting.
Engine: Passat offers slightly less power than the A6. The power delivery is less refined than the A6. The Passat engine is course-sounding, rather like a honda four-banger under load. The 1.8T engine is about as torquey as the 2.8. I'm glad the A6 1.8T stayed in Europe.
Handling: The Passat steering has a sportier feel than the A6. I think we all agree that the A6 steering is a tad overpowered. The Passat feels remarkably like the A6 in terms of cornering, squat, and dive. The A6 has slightly less body roll than the Passat in turns.
Interior: The VW tan leather is very orange-looking, kind of like the tan leather that BMW uses. The A6 melange leather is classer in all respects. The A6 has, by far, the better interior although you can see the Passat's Audi heritage. The Passat I drive had no wood so the A6 won hands-down in interior ambiance IMHO. The A6 was also MUCH quieter inside than the Passat. The A6 is also a much more roomy car. The Passat felt a bit tight for a wide-body like me but not as tight as the A4's I have driven. I prefer Audi's dash layout to the VW. I've never been a fan of blue lighting.
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12-10-2001, 11:05 AM
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Re: But what about value?
Value is such a relative thing. From my son's point of view, it's a great value compared with the competition. The Passat costs a bit more than a comparable car but comports itself with a much more "expensive" car feel. My son and his wife are incredibly happy with the car. They also own a Jetta VR6 which, IMHO, can't hold a candle to the Passat except for shear power.
For those who say Audis are just gussied up VWs, I suppose if you are looking for a people mover with a higher level of luxury then the Passat would be a great choice but it's clearly not in the same league as the A6 inspite of its family history. Anyone who disses the A6 as a Passat with the "screws turned tighter" have never driven the two cars in a side-by-side manner.
For those who say Audis are just gussied up VWs, I suppose if you are looking for a people mover with a higher level of luxury then the Passat would be a great choice but it's clearly not in the same league as the A6 inspite of its family history. Anyone who disses the A6 as a Passat with the "screws turned tighter" have never driven the two cars in a side-by-side manner.