2012 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Toyota 4Runner is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 633 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Toyota 4Runner (376 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4Runner | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2053 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4823 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1925 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1816 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 62 L |
