2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2004 Volvo V50
To start off, 2004 Volvo V50 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,521 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 160 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 105 kg more than 2004 Volvo V50.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo V50. (280 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo V50. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2004 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2004 Volvo V50 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2004 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | V50 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1467 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
