1956 BMW 507 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 507 weights approximately 179 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 BMW 507 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 BMW 507. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1956 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 507 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 507 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2560 mm |
