2001 Toyota Solara vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 167 kg more than 2001 Toyota Solara. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Solara. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Solara. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2001 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2001 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Toyota Solara | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solara | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
