2004 Nissan Altima vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Altima (170 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Altima weights approximately 78 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (285 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (237 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Altima | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1409 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
