2006 Acura RL vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Acura RL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2006 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL 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, 2006 Acura RL (347 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm). This means 2006 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RL | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2710 mm |
