2006 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 730 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Pathfinder | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2235 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
