2005 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Maxima 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 4 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Maxima. (276 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Maxima. (346 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
