2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2008 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 26 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 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Subaru Forester. (184 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
