1996 Porsche 993 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 Porsche 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 3,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche 993 (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 64 kg more than 1996 Porsche 993.
Because 1996 Porsche 993 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 Porsche 993. 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 Porsche 993 (355 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Porsche 993 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 993 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3746 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2712 mm |
