2006 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 172 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 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1633 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
