2005 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 473 kg more than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. 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 Volkswagen Passat (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2005 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Prizm | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prizm | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2712 mm |
