2009 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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 5,552 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (526 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Pathfinder | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5552 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 526 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
