2008 Saturn Astra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2008 Saturn Astra and 2008 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Astra (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Astra weights approximately 509 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Saturn Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Volkswagen Passat (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Astra | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 62 L |
