1996 Land Rover Discovery vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Land Rover Discovery. (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 542 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Land Rover Discovery. (320 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Land Rover Discovery. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 Land Rover Discovery has manual transmission. 1996 Land Rover Discovery will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Land Rover Discovery | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Discovery | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3944 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
