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Volksfolks
History of the Passat
VW's Passat is the largest car in their lineup. While the European Passats have always kept the Passat name, the US market has had a few name changes since the first Passat. In the US, the Passat was first introduced as the Dasher. Then came the Quantum/Santana. And for the last three generations VW's largest car has been named Passat. Launched in 1973, the Dasher was the replacement for the 1600 series. The top of the line Passat TS featured an 85HP water-cooled 1.5L four-cylinder motor with an overhead camshaft driving the front wheels. This Dasher was good for 0-100KM/h in 12 seconds with a top speed of 105 MPH. Getting 23.5 MPG it was pretty economical too, perfect for the oil crisis. The Dasher got a facelift in fall 1977 along with a few improvements including all motors were equipped with hardened valve seats so they could run unleaded fuel.
Dasher: 1975 - 1980
Quantum: 1980 - 1988
The Quantum/Santana replaced the Dasher in 1980 it was longer, wider, and had more interior space than its predecessor. There were four engines to choose from, a 1.6L diesel, 1.3L and 1.6L four cylinder motors, and a top of the line five cylinder motor good for 115 HP. The US got the Quantum Syncro Wagon starting in 1985. By 1986, the QSW had a base price of $15,645 including standard Cruise Control, and could be optioned out with power windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof, and an AM/FM cassette stereo for $17,280. While this sounds steep, the only other car of its time that could compete was the twice as costly Audi 5000 Quattro Wagon.
For 1988, VW presented the world with the third generation Passat, although it wasn't readily available in the US until 1990. This model is easily identified by its lack of a front grill. The 1990 B3 Passat came standard with the 2.0L 16V motor. Rated at 134HP and 133lbs/ft torque it was capable of 0-60MPH in 9.8 seconds and could go on to a top speed of 125MPH. One cool feature of the B3 Passat was the adjustable rear seats. While the B3 Passat compared favorably to it's Japanese and American competitors, it never was able to keep up in sales volume. There are a lot of loyal B3 owners though, something that the Americans and Japanese can't say. For 1991(1992 US), the Passat was the first VW to receive the all-new VR6 motor. With 172 HP on tap, it made the 5 speed Passat go 0-60MPH in 7.9 seconds.
B3 Passat: 1990 -1994
B4 Passat: 1995 - 1997
In 1995, VW freshened the Passats' design with the new B4 series. Standard fare was the 8-valve 2 liter four, but the GLX model still got the 2.8L VR6. With almost 3100 lbs. of car to pull, the 8 valve motor needed 9.8 seconds to hit 60MPH. The GLX took only 8 seconds with the VR6. New to the B4 were driver and passenger airbags up front in place of motorized seat belts. Also the B4 now sported a grilled nose. Standard equipment included power windows, locks, heated power mirrors, factory alarm, AM/FM Cassette stereo with 8 speakers, and CFC free air conditioning.
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