1996 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Land Rover Discovery. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Land Rover Discovery would be higher. At 3,944 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Land Rover Discovery (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 715 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Land Rover Discovery 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 Land Rover Discovery (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1996 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Land Rover Discovery | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Discovery | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3944 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
