2012 Dodge Ram vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 940 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 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram. 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 Dodge Ram (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Dodge Ram | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ram | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5700 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 551 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2418 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5817 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2017 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1877 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3569 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 121 L | 70 L |
