2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Subaru Forester. (156 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 65 kg more than 2008 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Subaru Forester. (186 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
