2008 Dodge Ram vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Dodge Ram is newer by 2 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Ram (345 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Ram weights approximately 218 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 2008 Dodge Ram 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 2008 Dodge Ram. 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, 2008 Dodge Ram (509 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Dodge Ram 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. 2008 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Ram | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ram | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 509 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6350 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4080 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 70 L |
