2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Pontiac Solstice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Pontiac Solstice would be higher. At 2,383 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 238 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Solstice | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solstice | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
