2001 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2001 Subaru Forester. (137 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 193 kg more than 2001 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Subaru Forester. (186 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Subaru Forester | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
