Compare the2018 Infiniti Q50VS 2018 Volkswagen Passat

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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The Q50 (except )’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Passat doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests front crash prevention systems. With a score of 6 points, IIHS rates the Forward Emergency Braking optional in the Q50 as “Superior.” The Passat scores only 3 points and is rated only “Advanced.”

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Q50 (except Pure) offers optional Back-up Collision Intervention which use rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Passat doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Q50 offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Passat doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Q50 (except Pure) offers an optional Around View® Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Passat only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the Q50 and the Passat have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Infiniti Q50 is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	Q50	Passat
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	225	312
Neck Injury Risk	24%	39%
Neck Stress	223 lbs.	391 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	47 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Infiniti Q50 is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	Q50	Passat
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	79	119
Chest Movement	.9 inches	.9 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	196	280
Spine Acceleration	46 G’s	61 G’s
Hip Force	415 lbs.	627 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	190	305
Spine Acceleration	36 G’s	44 G’s
Hip Force	634 lbs.	671 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The Q50 comes with free roadside assistance for 4 years unlimited miles. Infiniti will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Volkswagen doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Passat.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Q50 has a standard 150-amp alternator (170-amp - Q50 Red Sport 400). The Passat’s 140-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Infiniti vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 37 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 19th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2018 Auto Issue reports that Infiniti vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Infiniti 9 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The Q50 has more powerful engines than the Passat:

	Horsepower	Torque
Q50 2.0t 2.0 turbo 4 cyl.	208 HP	258 lbs.-ft.
Q50 3.0t 3.0 turbo V6	300 HP	295 lbs.-ft.
Q50 Hybrid 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid	360 HP
Q50 Red Sport 400 3.0 turbo V6	400 HP	350 lbs.-ft.
Passat 2.0T 2.0 turbo 4 cyl.	174 HP	184 lbs.-ft.
Passat 3.6 DOHC V6	280 HP	258 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Q50 3.0t 3.0 turbo V6 is faster than the Volkswagen Passat V6:

	Q50	Passat
Zero to 30 MPH	2.4 sec	3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.7 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.2 sec	15.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	103 MPH	98.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Q50 3.0t RWD 3.0 twin turbo V6 (300 HP) gets better fuel mileage than the Passat Auto V6 (20 city/29 hwy vs. 19 city/28 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the Q50 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Passat doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Q50 Hybrid/2.0t’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The Passat doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Q50’s standard fuel tank has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Passat (20 vs. 18.5 gallons).

Transmission

A seven-speed automatic is standard on the Infiniti Q50, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Passat.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Q50’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Passat:

	Q50	Q50 Sport	Passat
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	14 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.1 inches	13.8 inches	10.7 inches

The Q50’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Passat are solid, not vented.

The Q50 stops much shorter than the Passat:

	Q50	Passat
70 to 0 MPH	156 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	108 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	131 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Q50 has larger standard tires than the Passat (225/55R17 vs. 215/55R17). The Q50 Red Sport 400’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Passat (F:245/40R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. 235/45R18).

The Q50’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Passat S’ standard 60 series tires. The Q50 Red Sport 400’s 265/35R19 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Passat R-Line/GT’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q50 has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Passat S.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Q50 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Passat doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Q50 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Passat’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Q50’s optional drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Passat doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q50’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the Passat (112.2 inches vs. 110.4 inches).

The Q50 handles at .95 G’s, while the Passat SEL Premium pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Q50 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.6 seconds quicker than the Passat SE (25.5 seconds @ .76 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Q50 has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Passat uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The Q50 Hybrid uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Passat doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Q50 has 1.9 inches more front headroom and 2.1 inches more front legroom than the Passat.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Q50’s trunk lid uses gas strut supported hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The Passat’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Q50 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Passat. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Infiniti service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti first in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

The Q50 (except 2.0t)’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Passat doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the Q50 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Passat can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The Q50’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Passat’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Q50’s available headlights were rated “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Passat’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the Q50 3.0t/Red Sport 400 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Passat doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The Passat (except S/R-Line/GT)’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Q50 Premium/Sport’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Q50’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Volkswagen only offers heated mirrors on the Passat R-Line/SE/GT/SEL Premium.

The Q50 offers optional automatic dimming rear and side view mirrors which automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Passat offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

On extremely cold winter days, the Q50’s optional (except Pure) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Passat doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Q50 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Passat R-Line/SE/GT/SEL.

The Q50’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Passat S doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the Q50 and the Passat offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Q50 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Passat doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Q50 is less expensive to operate than the Passat because it costs $36 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Q50 than the Passat, including $75 less for an alternator, $3 less for front brake pads, $252 less for a starter and $367 less for a timing belt/chain.

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