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Specs & Variants

Volkswagen Passat Generation

Years1981–1985
BodyHatchback
Variants17

The Volkswagen Passat Generation is a hatchback, produced 1981–1985. This generation includes 17 variants available in Petrol and Diesel, with outputs ranging from 54 to 115 hp. The quickest variant in this generation reaches 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds. All variants in this generation use FRONT WHEEL DRIVE drive. Select a variant below to compare full specifications, or use the fuel filter to narrow the list by powertrain type.

Volkswagen Passat 1981 front view

Volkswagen Passat Generation17 variants

Top max speed in this generationBest consumption in this generationLongest electric range in this generationLowest CO₂ emissions in this generation
Sort
Variant
Power
0–100
Cons.
CO₂
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 GL
1,994 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
115hp / 85 kW
-s
-l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.9 GL
1,921 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
115hp / 85 kW
10.9s
9.2l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.9 GL
1,921 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
115hp / 85 kW
10.9s
9.2l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 85hp GL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
85hp / 63 kW
-s
-l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 75hp GL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
75hp / 55 kW
14.0s
9.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 75hp CL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
75hp / 55 kW
14.0s
9.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 75hp C
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
75hp / 55 kW
14.0s
9.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Turbo Diesel GL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
70hp / 51 kW
15.6s
6.2l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Turbo Diesel CL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
70hp / 51 kW
15.6s
6.2l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Turbo Diesel C
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
70hp / 51 kW
15.6s
6.2l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.3 CL
1,272 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
55hp / 40 kW
18.0s
8.6l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.3 C
1,272 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
55hp / 40 kW
18.0s
8.6l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Diesel GL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
20.5s
6.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Diesel CL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
20.5s
6.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Diesel
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
20.5s
6.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Diesel CL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
20.5s
6.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Diesel C
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
20.5s
6.7l/100km
-
Showing 17 of 17 variants
Updated Jun 2026 · Specifications sourced from manufacturer press releases and homologation documents.

Quick answers

What body type is the Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985)?

The Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985) is a hatchback. All 17 variants in this generation share this body configuration. Full specifications including dimensions, weight, and cargo volume are listed on each variant page.

How many variants does the Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985) have?

The Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985) has 17 variants, each representing a distinct combination of engine output, transmission type, and equipment level. Browse the table below to compare power, acceleration, and consumption across all specs.

What years was the Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985) produced?

The Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985) was produced 1981–1985. During this production run the model was offered with multiple engine options and powertrain configurations. All variants from this period remain indexed with their original manufacturer specifications.

What fuel types are available in the Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985)?

The Volkswagen Passat (1981-1985) is available in Petrol, Diesel. Each fuel variant carries its own consumption rating, CO₂ output, and performance figures. Use the fuel filter above to narrow the list by powertrain type.