1996 Aston Martin DB7 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Aston Martin DB7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Aston Martin DB7 would be higher. At 3,239 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Aston Martin DB7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Aston Martin DB7 (331 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Aston Martin DB7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Aston Martin DB7 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Aston Martin DB7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Aston Martin DB7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Aston Martin DB7 (490 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Aston Martin DB7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Aston Martin DB7 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3239 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 70 L |
