2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 4 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 113 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Passat | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
