1996 Toyota Hi-Ace vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (90 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 408 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 Toyota Hi-Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. 2002 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Hi-Ace | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2446 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1460 mm |
