2004 Honda Odyssey vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Honda Odyssey is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Odyssey (240 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 430 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Honda Odyssey. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2004 Honda Odyssey (328 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Odyssey | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Odyssey | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
