2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 90 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Nissan 350Z (371 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Nissan 350Z | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | 350Z | Passat |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 283 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 371 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1374 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |