2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,498 cc, 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 708 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender 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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1780 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 123 HP |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2058 kg | 1350 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
