2008 Fiat Panda vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 417 kg more than 2008 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Fiat Panda 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, 2008 Fiat Panda 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2008 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2008 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
