Avensis vs passat?

celica1994

ok looking at buying either of the two in the d4d or the 130bhp model. i have owned the 130bhp model before and was impressed with it, but is the avensis as good a car to buy as the passat? i think the power rating is lower but what is the drive like?

Nekarsulm

What year car are you thinking of?

I had 2 passats, 130's, a 2002 and a 2001.
Now have an Avensis d4d, a 2003. Its got 280k miles on it.
It hasn't quite got the torque of the 130 passat, but its acceptable for most driving situations. Car feels a lot lighter and more "tinny" than the VW. Feels less planted on the road, but you seem to be sitting a bit higher up in the Toyota, which would change your perception of things.
Toyota has more wind noise, and I think more tyre noise as well. But that could be different tyre makes.
They seem a little less stable on the twisty bits as well.
One thing I have notices, it a lot easier to see 48 to 50 miles per gallon on the toyota display than the VW. Id say the toyota is nearly 10 miles per gallon more economical, but as I have said, it feels like its a lighter car.

Edit. A quick google has the toyota coming in 150 kg lighter than the VW. 1255kg V 1405kg. Thats like having an extra 16 stone adult, and an 8 stone teenager with you in the car.

celica1994

cheers for the reply, i might just go passat, the 130 engine was so responsive