2006 Renault Espace 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 Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Renault Espace would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Renault Espace (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Espace weights approximately 409 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.
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, 2006 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Renault Espace | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Espace | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2110 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
