2009 Volkswagen T5 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (125 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2009 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (169 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen T5 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | T5 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2459 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2710 mm |
