2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder (256 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 613 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 5009 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1783 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 74 L |
