2016 VW Passat vs Nissan Altima Comparison

2016 Volkswagen Passat
2016 Nissan Altima

2016 Volkswagen Passat SE

Torque:

184 ft-lbs. @ 1500 rpm

Power glass sunroof:

Standard

Heated/Cooled seats:

Standard

HD radio:

Standard

Upholstery:

Leatherette

2016 Nissan Altima SR

Torque:

180 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

Power glass sunroof:

Available on other styles

Heated/Cooled seats:

Available on other styles

HD radio:

N/A

Upholstery:

Cloth

2016 Volkswagen Passat vs Nissan Altima

Serving Tallahassee, Valdosta, Thomasville, Quincy, Bainbridge

If you are out looking for a midsize sedan, there are many car manufacturers with their models flooding the market. Two of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers, VW and Nissan have produced midsize sedans that may interest you, Volkswagen Passat and Nissan Altima. Do not be overwhelmed trying to decide which one you should buy. Both have their 2016 model available in the market. Find out what sets them apart and which is the better car.

Performance

Both the models come equipped with two engine options and multiple trim levels. The base Passat is equipped with a 1.8 liter turbocharged engine while the Altima has a 2.5 liter power plant. Although smaller, the base 1.8 liter Passat motor produces more toque with 184 ft-lbs. @ 1500 rpm to the Altima 180 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm. Both cars have optional V6 engine configurations as well. The Passat engine is a 3.6 liter that produces 280 hp @ 6200 rpm and 258 ft-lbs. @ 2500 rpm. The Altima V6 is a 3.5 liter that produces 270 hp @ 6400 rpm and 251 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm. Beyond power, the VW Passat also has a smaller turn radius than the Altima, for improved handling.

Features

For interior features, the VW Passat has superior interior features that have better functionalities and looks. Both cars have a first-row LCD screen and Bluetooth as standard features. VW Passat beats the Nissan Altima when it comes to steering audio controls, which the Nissan sedan does not have. The VW Passat has a six-speaker audio system which delivers better sound quality compared to the four speaker audio system in the Nissan Altima. As for comfort, the VW Passat offers more passenger space than the Nissan Altima. The passengers will be able to stretch a little more on the Passat than the Nissan Altima. It offers slightly larger trunk, which makes it a good candidate for families.

Safety

While the base models both come with typical standard safety features found on modern cars, there are a few features that found on upgraded trims of the 2016 VW Passat not found on the Nissan Altima. These extra features include – parking assistance, airbag deployment notification, and emergency service to name a few. You can expect both to have stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Both cars earned IIHS 2016 Top Safety Pick + with the 2016 Passat receiving a better rating with its child seat anchor (latch) ease of use.


Both cars are an excellent choice for a sedan car. With more trim levels to choose from and a bit more to offer, the 2016 VW Passat edges out it competition. Come visit your local Volkswagen dealership in Tallahassee, FL, part of the Crown Automotive Group to see for yourself.