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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 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 135 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 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 | 2496 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1583 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 69 L |
