2010 Nissan 370Z vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Nissan 370Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Nissan 370Z would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 93 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Nissan 370Z 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 2010 Nissan 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2010 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2010 Nissan 370Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Nissan 370Z | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 370Z | Passat |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 332 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4247 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1326 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
