1989 Nissan Patrol vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 639 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1989 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Patrol.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Patrol | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Patrol | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2712 mm |
