2001 Bentley Continental vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,746 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Bentley Continental weights approximately 989 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Bentley Continental is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 635 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Bentley Continental | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Bentley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6746 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 28.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
