2011 Subaru Legacy vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Subaru Legacy is newer by 3 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 79 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy 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, 2011 Subaru Legacy (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Subaru Legacy | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1579 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4735 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1821 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1506 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2751 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
