2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2001 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 46 kg more than 2001 Nissan Maxima. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2001 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2760 mm |
