2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 9 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), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 14 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 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 2012 Nissan 370Z. 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Passat | 370Z |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 350 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 374 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1489 kg | 1503 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4404 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1844 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1316 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 72 L |