One of the toughest parts of my job, and yes, there are several, is
trying to express to readers the value of a car is not necessarily found in the
boxes of a spec chart. While the numbers are important, it's often the
qualitative mortar in between the quantitative bricks that tell the story. When
talking to friends about our long-term Volkswagen Passat, one of the first
things that gets brought up is the 0-60 mph time, which happens to be 9.0
seconds. The Passat is certainly not quick off the line, but once rolling, holds
its own. I have been told by a few people that they would never consider the
Passat's 2.5 liter because of this stat. Apparently, they're doing more street
racing with their family sedans than I am as I have yet to drag race a Camry for
money.
Having put nearly 7000 miles on our Passat, there have been only a few
times I really wished for more power. Uphill passing and on our figure-8 course
are the only two that immediately come to mind. Generally, however, I am fine
with the 170 hp and 177 lb-ft the 2.5-liter I-5 churns out. I merge on the
freeway, I turn left across traffic, I survive in L.A. -- one of the fastest,
most aggressive driving cities in the country. None of the horrors of a car
without 300 hp have befallen me.
All this refinement, however, might be just in time for its final act.
Rumor has it, this engine's days are numbered and a 1.8-liter direct-injected
turbocharged I-4 will be taking its place in a couple of years. It will no doubt
offer a flatter torque curve, possibly higher power and torque numbers, and
better fuel economy. If it's similar to the 2.0T in power delivery, this will
totally change entry-level VWs. Until then, VW offers the TDI and the VR6 for
the aspiring Vin Diesels with kids.
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