2003 Volvo V50 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,524 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 59 kg more than 2003 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 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volvo V50 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | V50 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2524 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.6 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
