2009 Subaru Forester vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 62 kg more than 2009 Subaru Forester.
Because 2009 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Subaru Forester. (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Subaru Forester. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2009 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
