2004 Pontiac Montana vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Montana 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 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 660 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 Montana is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana 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 Pontiac Montana (298 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (168 Nm). This means 2004 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Pontiac Montana 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 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac Montana | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montana | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
