2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Vibe (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 259 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 Pontiac Vibe 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 (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac Vibe | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vibe | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
