2003 Pontiac GTO 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 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. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 185 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 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, 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 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Pontiac GTO has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
