2009 Renault Espace vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Renault Espace is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Renault Espace (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Renault Espace | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Espace | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2110 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
