2001 Acura RL vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 344 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. 2001 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
