2010 Kia Soul vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 2 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2010 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2010 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 395 kg more than 2010 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Kia Soul. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 (371 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Soul. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2010 Kia Soul has manual transmission. 2010 Kia Soul 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:
| 2010 Kia Soul | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Soul | Passat |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4105 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
