2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1996 Volvo V90
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V90 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V90 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V90 weights approximately 58 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Volvo V90 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 1996 Volvo V90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V90. (261 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V90.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 1996 Volvo V90 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | V90 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
