2012 Kia Sorento vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sorento weights approximately 294 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.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sorento. (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Sorento | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sorento | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1804 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4661 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1885 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1699 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
