2003 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 200 kg more than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Oldsmobile Alero | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alero | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
