I think you are all right. Think I may be getting twicthy for a change. Have had this longer than most other cars so suppose i must be content in some ways. Maybe i should consider a manual model when i next change cars. Just found that Passat weighs 1520-1648kgs dependant on model so not greatly lighter. Anyway I knew subject would provole responses so thank you for them
Jez

How on earth are VW (and everyone else) making their cars so lardy these days?
I wouldn't have believed a Passat weighs as much as a V6 Omega but it's near as makes no difference the same (my MV6 is listed as 1650).
1) It's front wheel drive so no propshaft, diff, simpler rear suspension, smaller gearbox, shorter bonnet
2) It's not quite as big
3) Omega has a V6 with a cast iron block up front. Not sure what the Passat has but the only way the Omega's engine could be heavier is with cast iron heads!
4) Presumably we're talking about a manual box (6 speed, admittedly) instead of an auto.
Gone are the days of the nice, chuckable MK2 golf (and the older passats weren't too bad on that score). You seem to need to buy a Lupo to get a light car these days, and then you get painted metal interior and just look at the engine options.

No wonder the old school VW's fly when they get a modern engine transplant!
Kevin