1998 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2011 Land Rover Defender is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1433 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover Defender 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, 2011 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Land Rover |
| Model | Passat | Defender |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
