2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford S-Max would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 176 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-Max | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
