2011 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Dodge Durango. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Dodge Durango would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Durango (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Durango weights approximately 733 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 2011 Dodge Durango 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 2011 Dodge Durango. 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, 2011 Dodge Durango (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Dodge Durango | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Durango | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2194 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5075 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1925 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1819 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3043 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 70 L |
