Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
Model | Volkswagen Passat | Nissan Quest | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1800 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 260 hp@6000 240 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Minivan, ext. | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 118.1 in | -11.4 in |
Length | 188.0 in | 200.8 in | -12.8 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 77.6 in | -5.9 in |
Height | 59.7 in | 71.5 in | -11.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3512 lb. | 4367 lb. | -855 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.3 in | 42.1 in | -3.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 64.5 in | -8.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 57.3 in | -57.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 43.8 in | -2.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.6 in | 41.6 in | -3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.6 in | 63.2 in | -8.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 66.0 in | -66 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.7 in | 36.7 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 40.0 in | -40 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 61.2 in | -61.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 49.6 in | -49.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 40.5 in | -40.5 in |
Total Legroom | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 121 in (over 3 rows) | -41.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 35.8 ft3 | 35.1 ft3 | 0.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 35.8 | 63.6 ft3 | -27.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 61.7 ft3 | 108.4 ft3 | -46.7 ft3 |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Comfortable power seats with power lumbar adjustment. Good side support, and with the tilting/telescoping steering wheel - easy to find a comfortable driving position. Also has easy to use steering wheel controls for the cars stereo/trip computer. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2014 Nissan Quest Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Minivan, ext. 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT FWD |
Here's the main reason I bought this van: my kids! Of all the vans we tested, they believed the second and third row seats were the most comfortable. Some may laugh at the boxy shape and fat rear end of the Quest, but the reason it's designed that way is because it maximizes interior room. I'm 6'1" (taller in the torso than legs) and even I think the van is spacious when I sit in the third row. The head and shoulder room is incredible. The seats are all very comfortable. The soft suspension makes riding as a passenger a pleasure. So, despite all the shortcomings I mention in this review, in my opinion, the Quest tops all the competitors in the category of passenger and driver comfort. The pleasing and luxurious interior materials contribute to this. Too bad the production of this iteration of the Quest appears to be in its final chapter. see full Nissan Quest review |