2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2012 Porsche Panamera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Panamera (300 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Panamera weights approximately 287 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 2012 Porsche Panamera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2012 Porsche Panamera (400 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Porsche Panamera has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Porsche Panamera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Porsche |
| Model | Passat | Panamera |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1931 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
