2004 Ford C-MAX vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Ford C-MAX 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2004 Ford C-MAX. (104 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 178 kg more than 2004 Ford C-MAX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford C-MAX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford C-MAX. (146 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford C-MAX. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford C-MAX has manual transmission. 2004 Ford C-MAX 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:
| 2004 Ford C-MAX | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | C-MAX | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
