1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2003 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2003 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Grand Espace (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 Renault Grand Espace (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Renault Grand Espace has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Renault Grand Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2003 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Renault |
| Model | Passat | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
