2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (156 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 386 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima. 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 2009 Nissan Altima. 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 (330 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (162 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 68 L |
