2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1272 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
