2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2011 Toyota Prius is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2011 Toyota Prius. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2011 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 79 kg more than 2011 Toyota Prius. 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 2011 Toyota Prius. 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 (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Passat | Prius |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1459 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
