Model Year | 2009 | 2007 | |
Model | Volkswagen Passat | Nissan Xterra | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1800 |
4.0L V6 DOHC-4v 261 hp@5600 284 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 106.3 in | 0.4 in |
Length | 188.0 in | 178.7 in | 9.3 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 72.8 in | -1.1 in |
Height | 59.7 in | 74.9 in | -15.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3512 lb. | 4165 lb. | -653 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 21.1 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.3 in | 39.9 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 58.3 in | -2.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.9 in | -55.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 42.4 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.6 in | 39.3 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.6 in | 58.3 in | -3.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 46.1 in | -46.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.7 in | 34.4 in | 3.3 in |
Total Legroom | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 76.8 in (over 2 rows) | 2.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 35.8 ft3 | 35.2 ft3 | 0.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 61.7 ft3 | 65.7 ft3 | -4 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 |
2007 Nissan Xterra Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 265-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range |
The seats are supportive without being rigid. I like the easy to clean, removable seating material. see full Nissan Xterra review |
2007 Nissan Xterra Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 265-horsepower 4.0L V6 6-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range |
The rear seat on the XTerra is not spacious, but it is sufficient for shorter adults, kids, and pets. At 6'4", I'm cramped and the narrow door opening doesn't help with access. Still, it's far less clastrophobic than the FJ Cruiser. see full Nissan Xterra review |