2008 Honda Pilot vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Honda Pilot is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Pilot weights approximately 485 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Honda Pilot. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 Honda Pilot (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Honda Pilot has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Pilot will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Pilot | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pilot | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 55 L |
