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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 19 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.
Because 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
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 | 3954 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
