1996 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (247 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 664 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 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (455 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Suburban | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2712 mm |
