2003 Infiniti Q45 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Infiniti Q45. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Infiniti Q45 would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Infiniti Q45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Infiniti Q45 (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Infiniti Q45 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Infiniti Q45 weights approximately 241 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 2003 Infiniti Q45 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 2003 Infiniti Q45. 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, 2003 Infiniti Q45 (451 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Infiniti Q45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Infiniti Q45 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Infiniti | Volkswagen |
| Model | Q45 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1804 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
