2003 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 262 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2003 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO. 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 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Pontiac GTO has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Pontiac GTO will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac GTO | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 79.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
