1958 BMW 600 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1958 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 370 kg more than 1958 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 BMW 600 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 1958 BMW 600. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 600 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2480 mm |
