1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2004 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 8 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 120 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Prizm.
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, 2004 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Chevrolet Prizm 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. 2004 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2004 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Passat | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
