2009 Dodge Durango vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Dodge Durango is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Durango (303 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Durango weights approximately 1068 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Durango 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, 2009 Dodge Durango (447 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Dodge Durango has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Durango | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Durango | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2343 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 55 L |
