2009 Nissan Xterra vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2009 Nissan Xterra and 2009 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 9 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Xterra | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xterra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2316 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
