2004 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1996 Volvo V90
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V90 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V90 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V90 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volvo V90. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V90. (261 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V90. 1996 Volvo V90 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Volvo V90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Passat | 1996 Volvo V90 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | V90 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
