2012 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 4 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (323 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 1280 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 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Chevrolet Silverado (516 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silverado | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5999 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 516 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2790 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 129 L | 62 L |
