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VOLKSWAGEN Passat 1996-2000 Photos, engines & full specs

Segment: Medium
Production years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

VOLKSWAGEN Passat 1996-2000 21 Photos
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Volkswagen introduced the fourth generation of the Passat lineup in 1996. It was a revolution in design and features compared to its predecessor. As a result, many people considered it the best Passat of all times.

While most Volkswagen vehicles were built with a transverse-mounted engine, the Passat was built on a different platform, with a longitudinally mounted powerplant. It was an unusual decision, but it paid off. It was not only a dependable vehicle but also comfortable, trustworthy, and, with the right options, a competitor for premium vehicles.

Volkswagen decided to introduce a vehicle with round shapes, curved lines, and angular headlights in the full bio-design era. A game of lights and shadows made this vehicle look attractive even though its details were somehow bland. The curved greenhouse sported a third, small, triangular window behind the rear doors. The corner-mounted taillights flanked the trunk lid opening with their red lenses at the back, apart from the white reversing lights.

On the inside, the carmaker placed a dashboard with a curved design. The instrument cluster resembled the same shape as the car's greenhouse. At the same time, a tall center console separated the front bucket seats. The bench was wide enough for three passengers at the back, but the tall tunnel that crossed the car from front to rear limited the legroom for a middle occupant.

Under the hood, Volkswagen offered something for everyone. It started with a 1.6-liter gasoline-powered engine that was relatively weak for this heavy vehicle. But since the diesel-powered versions already gained traction on the market, Volkswagen decided to install an extensive choice of them, with either a front or an all-wheel drive system.

press release
VOLKSWAGEN Passat 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
  7 gasoline engines
  • 1.6L 5MT FWD (100 HP)
  • 1.8L 5MT FWD (125 HP)
  • 1.8L Turbo 5MT FWD (150 HP)
  • 2.3L VR5 5MT FWD (150 HP)
  • 2.8L V6 5AT AWD (180 HP)
  • 2.8L V6 5MT AWD (180 HP)
  • 2.8L V6 5MT AWD (193 HP)
  4 diesel engines
  • 1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (110 HP)
  • 1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (115 HP)
  • 1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (90 HP)
  • 2.5L TDI 6MT FWD (150 HP)

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.6L 5MT FWD (100 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 5MT FWD (100 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1595 cm3
Power:74 KW @ 5300 RPM
101 HP @ 5300 RPM
99 BHP @ 5300 RPM
Torque:103 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM
140 Nm @ 3800 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:119.3 mph (192 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):12.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/65 VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2658.7 lbs (1206 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3858.1 lbs (1750 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:20.8 mpg US (11.3 L/100Km)
Highway:38.6 mpg US (6.1 L/100Km)
Combined:29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:192 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.8L 5MT FWD (125 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (125 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:92 KW @ 5800 RPM
125 HP @ 5800 RPM
123 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque:124 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
168 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:128 mph (206 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/65 VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2724.9 lbs (1236 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4166.7 lbs (1890 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:19.3 mpg US (12.2 L/100Km)
Highway:36.8 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km)
Combined:27.7 mpg US (8.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:204 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.8L Turbo 5MT FWD (150 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L Turbo 5MT FWD (150 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:110 KW @ 5700 RPM
150 HP @ 5700 RPM
148 BHP @ 5700 RPM
Torque:155 lb-ft @ 1750 RPM
210 Nm @ 1750 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:138.6 mph (223 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/65 VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2835.1 lbs (1286 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4034.5 lbs (1830 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:21.2 mpg US (11.1 L/100Km)
Highway:37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km)
Combined:29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:190 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.3L VR5 5MT FWD (150 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3L VR5 5MT FWD (150 HP)
Cylinders:V5
Displacement:2327 cm3
Power:110 KW @ 6000 RPM
150 HP @ 6000 RPM
148 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:151 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
205 Nm @ 3200 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:138.6 mph (223 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/60VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2888.1 lbs (1310 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4155.7 lbs (1885 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:15.6 mpg US (15.1 L/100Km)
Highway:32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km)
Combined:23.3 mpg US (10.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:230 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.8L V6 5AT AWD (180 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 5AT AWD (180 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:2496 cm3
Power:132.4 KW @ 4000 RPM
180 HP @ 4000 RPM
178 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:229 lb-ft @ 1500 RPM
310 Nm @ 1500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:145 mph (233 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.4 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/55WR16
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3384 lbs (1535 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4431 lbs (2010 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:14.3 mpg US (16.4 L/100Km)
Highway:29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.8L V6 5MT AWD (180 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 5MT AWD (180 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:2496 cm3
Power:132.4 KW @ 4000 RPM
180 HP @ 4000 RPM
178 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:229 lb-ft @ 1500 RPM
310 Nm @ 1500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:136.7 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.4 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/55WR16
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3384 lbs (1535 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4431 lbs (2010 kg)

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.8L V6 5MT AWD (193 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 5MT AWD (193 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:2771 cm3
Power:142 KW @ 6000 RPM
193 HP @ 6000 RPM
190 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
280 Nm @ 3200 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:147.9 mph (238 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/55WR16
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3115.1 lbs (1413 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4519.4 lbs (2050 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:15.6 mpg US (15.1 L/100Km)
Highway:29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km)
Combined:22.4 mpg US (10.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:252 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (110 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (110 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1896 cm3
Power:81 KW @ 4150 RPM
110 HP @ 4150 RPM
109 BHP @ 4150 RPM
Torque:173 lb-ft @ 1900 RPM
235 Nm @ 1900 RPM
Fuel System:Direct Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:121.8 mph (196 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2841.7 lbs (1289 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4210.8 lbs (1910 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km)
Highway:54.7 mpg US (4.3 L/100Km)
Combined:44.4 mpg US (5.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:143 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (115 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (115 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1896 cm3
Power:85 KW @ 4150 RPM
116 HP @ 4150 RPM
114 BHP @ 4150 RPM
Torque:210 lb-ft @ 1900 RPM
285 Nm @ 1900 RPM
Fuel System:Direct Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:124.3 mph (200 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2907.9 lbs (1319 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4144.7 lbs (1880 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km)
Highway:54.7 mpg US (4.3 L/100Km)
Combined:44.4 mpg US (5.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:143 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (90 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L TDI 5MT FWD (90 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1896 cm3
Power:66 KW @ 4000 RPM
90 HP @ 4000 RPM
89 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:155 lb-ft @ 1900 RPM
210 Nm @ 1900 RPM
Fuel System:Direct Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:114.3 mph (184 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):13.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/65 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2821.9 lbs (1280 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4067.5 lbs (1845 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km)
Highway:54.7 mpg US (4.3 L/100Km)
Combined:44.4 mpg US (5.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:143 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.5L TDI 6MT FWD (150 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.5L TDI 6MT FWD (150 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:2496 cm3
Power:110 KW @ 4000 RPM
150 HP @ 4000 RPM
148 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:229 lb-ft @ 1500 RPM
310 Nm @ 1500 RPM
Fuel System:Direct Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:136.7 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.4 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:6-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/55WR16
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.3 in (4681 mm)
Width:68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height:57.5 in (1461 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/59.1 in (1,501/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:106.3 in (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.7 in (145 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.8 cuFT (476 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3137.2 lbs (1423 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4431.3 lbs (2010 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km)
Highway:45.2 mpg US (5.2 L/100Km)
Combined:34.5 mpg US (6.8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:184 g/km
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