2008 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Saturn Sky would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Sky is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Sky (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Sky weights approximately 43 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Sky. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Sky. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2008 Saturn Sky has manual transmission. 2008 Saturn Sky will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Sky | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sky | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
