2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2001 Nissan Xterra
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 Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 2,391 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 56 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 2001 Nissan Xterra 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, 2001 Nissan Xterra 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2001 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2660 mm |
