2004 Nissan Xterra vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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 3,278 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Xterra (180 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 192 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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 (326 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (274 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Xterra | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xterra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3278 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1764 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
