2012 McLaren MP4-12C vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 479 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C weights approximately 11 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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 McLaren MP4-12C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | McLaren | Volkswagen |
| Model | MP4-12C | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 592 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1199 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
