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1988 Volkswagen Passat Photos, engines & full specs

Segment: Medium
Production years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993

VOLKSWAGEN Passat 1988-1993 21 Photos
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The third generation of the Passat was introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, and it was available as a sedan or a station wagon named Variant.

Volkswagen focused on these two bodyworks and axed the hatchback version. The sedan was suitable for families and even middle-management executives. It was the first Volkswagen built on top of a proprietary platform fitted with a transversely-mounted engine instead of a longitudinally one, like its predecessors.

The Passat was considered a mid-sized vehicle in Europe. Its main competitors came from Opel, Fiat, and the French automakers. At the front, the vehicle featured a flat panel that covered the area between the squared headlights. Volkswagen relied only on the bumper-mounted grille to cool the engine. The overall clean design had nothing to impress and nothing to bother. Behind the rear doors, it installed the third row of windows, thus creating a brighter interior and also increasing the driver's visibility. At the back, the raised deck for the trunk was available with a small wing as an option.

Inside, the dashboard was improved and featured a wide instrument cluster extended over the center stack. It included the center vents as well. The German engineers considered placing the sound system above the climate control system. Unlike most cars on the market, the Passat was available with an automatic climate control system named Climatronic (EU-spec only). The carmaker installed two seats at the front and a wide bench for three in the back. Depending on the trim level and options, the car featured power windows for all four doors.

Under the hood, depending on the market, Volkswagen installed a wide engine choice ranging between 68 hp and 174 hp. The standard transmission for the entire range was a five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic was available on specific versions.

press release
VOLKSWAGEN Passat 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
  8 gasoline engines
  • 1.6L 5MT FWD (72 HP)
  • 1.8L 5MT FWD (107 HP)
  • 1.8L 5MT FWD (75 HP)
  • 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
  • 1.8L G60 5MT FWD (120 HP)
  • 2.0L 5MT FWD (116 HP)
  • 2.0L 5MT FWD (136 HP)
  • 2.8L V6 5MT FWD (174 HP)
  4 diesel engines
  • 1.6L TD 5MT FWD (80 HP)
  • 1.9d 5MT FWD (68 HP)
  • 1.9d 5MT FWD (75 HP)
  • 2.8L V6 4AT FWD (174 HP)

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.6L 5MT FWD (72 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 5MT FWD (72 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1595 cm3
Power:53 KW @ 5200 RPM
72 HP @ 5200 RPM
71 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:92 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM
125 Nm @ 2750 RPM
Fuel System:Monopoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:105 mph (169 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):16.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165/70SR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2438.3 lbs (1106 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3571.5 lbs (1620 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:137 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.8L 5MT FWD (107 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (107 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:79 KW @ 5700 RPM
107 HP @ 5700 RPM
106 BHP @ 5700 RPM
Torque:114 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM
154 Nm @ 3800 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:118.1 mph (190 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65HR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2612.5 lbs (1185 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3659.7 lbs (1660 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:187 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.8L 5MT FWD (75 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (75 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:55 KW @ 5000 RPM
75 HP @ 5000 RPM
74 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:103 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM
140 Nm @ 2500 RPM
Fuel System:Monopoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:106.3 mph (171 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):15.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65TR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2453.7 lbs (1113 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3747.9 lbs (1700 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:190 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L 5MT FWD (90 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:66 KW @ 5400 RPM
90 HP @ 5400 RPM
89 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque:105 lb-ft @ 2600 RPM
142 Nm @ 2600 RPM
Fuel System:Monopoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:110 mph (177 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):13.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65TR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2530.9 lbs (1148 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3747.9 lbs (1700 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:188 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.8L G60 5MT FWD (120 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L G60 5MT FWD (120 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1781 cm3
Power:118 KW @ 5600 RPM
160 HP @ 5600 RPM
158 BHP @ 5600 RPM
Torque:166 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM
225 Nm @ 3800 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:133.6 mph (215 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/55VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2989.5 lbs (1356 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4056.5 lbs (1840 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:23.8 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:235 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.0L 5MT FWD (116 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (116 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1984 cm3
Power:85 KW @ 5400 RPM
116 HP @ 5400 RPM
114 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque:122 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
166 Nm @ 3200 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:121.2 mph (195 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.3 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65HR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2577.2 lbs (1169 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3814 lbs (1730 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km)
Highway:37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km)
Combined:29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:195 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.0L 5MT FWD (136 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (136 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1984 cm3
Power:100 KW @ 5800 RPM
136 HP @ 5800 RPM
134 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque:133 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
180 Nm @ 4400 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):10.2 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/60VR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2709.5 lbs (1229 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3924.2 lbs (1780 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km)
Highway:37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km)
Combined:29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:211.8 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.8L V6 5MT FWD (174 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 5MT FWD (174 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:2792 cm3
Power:128 KW @ 5800 RPM
174 HP @ 5800 RPM
172 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque:177 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM
240 Nm @ 4200 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:139.2 mph (224 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.2 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/50VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2821.9 lbs (1280 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4100.6 lbs (1860 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:228.5 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.6L TD 5MT FWD (80 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L TD 5MT FWD (80 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1588 cm3
Power:59 KW @ 4500 RPM
80 HP @ 4500 RPM
79 BHP @ 4500 RPM
Torque:114 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM
155 Nm @ 2750 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:105.6 mph (170 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):16 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65TR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2627.9 lbs (1192 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3880.1 lbs (1760 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km)
Highway:52.3 mpg US (4.5 L/100Km)
Combined:36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:159 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.9d 5MT FWD (68 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9d 5MT FWD (68 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1896 cm3
Power:50 KW @ 4400 RPM
68 HP @ 4400 RPM
67 BHP @ 4400 RPM
Torque:94 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
127 Nm @ 2400 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:99.4 mph (160 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):19 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65TR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2610.3 lbs (1184 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3858.1 lbs (1750 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km)
Highway:52.3 mpg US (4.5 L/100Km)
Combined:37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:167 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
1.9d 5MT FWD (75 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9d 5MT FWD (75 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1896 cm3
Power:55 KW @ 4200 RPM
75 HP @ 4200 RPM
74 BHP @ 4200 RPM
Torque:103 lb-ft @ 2200 RPM
140 Nm @ 2200 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:102.5 mph (165 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):17.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65TR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2683 lbs (1217 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3946.3 lbs (1790 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km)
Highway:50 mpg US (4.7 L/100Km)
Combined:36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:167 g/km

VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2.8L V6 4AT FWD (174 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 4AT FWD (174 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1588 cm3
Power:59 KW @ 4500 RPM
80 HP @ 4500 RPM
79 BHP @ 4500 RPM
Torque:114 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM
155 Nm @ 2750 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/65TR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:180.3 in (4580 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:56.3 in (1430 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.3/55.9 in (1,481/1,420 mm)
Wheelbase:103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.7 in (119 mm)
Cargo Volume:20.4 cuFT (578 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2627.9 lbs (1192 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4101 lbs (1860 kg)
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