2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,384 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Pontiac Solstice (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Solstice | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solstice | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2384 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
