2011 Nissan Maxima vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2011 Nissan Maxima and 2011 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2011). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 50 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Maxima | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
