2005 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 3,948 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. (270 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 566 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder (395 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (349 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Pathfinder | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3948 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2129 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
