2008 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1457 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Cadillac Escalade is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac Escalade 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, 2008 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Cadillac Escalade has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac Escalade | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escalade | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6198 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 403 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2667 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
