2010 Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Nissan Frontier would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 10 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2010 Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontier | Passat |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
