2008 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 603 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2175 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
