2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,494 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 1950 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 842 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. (141 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 1950 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2117 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2040 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 55 L |
