2012 Nissan Xterra vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 633 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2012 Nissan Xterra | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Xterra | Passat |
Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 261 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1247 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4539 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1902 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |