2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Dacia Duster
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Dacia Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Dacia Duster 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 62 more horse power than 2011 Dacia Duster. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2011 Dacia Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 261 kg more than 2011 Dacia Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Dacia Duster 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, 2011 Dacia Duster 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dacia Duster. (177 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dacia Duster. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2011 Dacia Duster has manual transmission. 2011 Dacia Duster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Dacia Duster | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Dacia |
| Model | Passat | Duster |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1822 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2673 mm |
