2004 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 55 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
