Is the Passat's transmission dry or wet?
2 Answers
Whether the Passat's transmission is dry or wet depends on the engine displacement: 1. The 1.4T model uses a dry transmission; 2. The 1.8T and 2.0T models use wet transmissions. A dry transmission transmits torque through the friction plates on the clutch driven disc. A wet transmission refers to a dual-clutch system consisting of two multi-plate clutches, one large and one small, installed coaxially. Taking the Passat 2020 model as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4933mm, width 1836mm, height 1469mm, wheelbase 2871mm, fuel tank capacity 68.5 liters, and trunk capacity 521 liters.
The transmission in the Passat really depends on the specific model and year, with significant differences between older and newer versions. Older Passat models like the pre-2018 330TSI often used a dry seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which could occasionally feel jerky in city traffic jams. However, the current new-generation Passat has mostly switched to wet dual-clutch transmissions, especially the high-end 380TSI variant, which delivers exceptionally smooth performance. The wet transmission features oil cooling, significantly improving durability, with crisp gear shifts at highway speeds. During my recent test drive of the latest 380TSI model, gear changes were almost imperceptibly smooth, and fuel efficiency was well controlled. If considering a used Passat, it's advisable to check the transmission type - particular attention should be paid to maintenance records for those with dry-clutch models.
