2003 Suzuki Vitara vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 257 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Suzuki Vitara 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2003 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 2003 Suzuki Vitara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Suzuki Vitara | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitara | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
