2006 Renault Clio 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 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Renault Clio would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Renault Clio (251 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 51 kg more than 2006 Renault Clio.
Because 2006 Renault Clio is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Renault Clio. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2006 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 2006 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Renault Clio | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Clio | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7150 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4650 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
