2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Acura TL
To start off, 2011 Acura TL is newer by 8 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Acura TL weights approximately 225 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 2011 Acura TL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Acura TL 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 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Acura TL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Acura |
| Model | Passat | TL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1797 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4966 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.3 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
