2004 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 116 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 4.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
