2004 Nissan Altima vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 299 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2505 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1361 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
