2003 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Sorento 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 88 more horse power than 2003 Kia Sorento. (192 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 427 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Sorento. (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sorento | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1990 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
