1997 Subaru Impreza vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 165 kg more than 1997 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Impreza 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 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Subaru Impreza | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impreza | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
