2008 Pontiac Torrent 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 Pontiac Torrent. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Pontiac Torrent would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac Torrent is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac Torrent (263 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac Torrent should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
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 Pontiac Torrent (339 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac Torrent will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Pontiac Torrent has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Pontiac Torrent will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Pontiac Torrent | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Torrent | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1352 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
