2004 Pontiac GTO vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Pontiac GTO 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 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 415 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 2004 Pontiac GTO is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm). This means 2004 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac GTO | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5669 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
