1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2004 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2004 Nissan X-Trail 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan X-Trail is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan X-Trail (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan X-Trail should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan X-Trail weights approximately 390 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Nissan X-Trail is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Nissan X-Trail will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan X-Trail (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Nissan X-Trail will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2004 Nissan X-Trail | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
