1996 Honda Step Wagon vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 1,972 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Step Wagon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. 1996 Honda Step Wagon has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Step Wagon | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Step Wagon | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1972 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1520 mm |
