2005 Acura RL vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Acura RL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura RL (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura RL weights approximately 271 kg more than 2003 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, 2005 Acura RL (353 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm). This means 2005 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura RL | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
