1959 BMW 600 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (75 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1959 BMW 600. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 350 kg more than 1959 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (114 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 600 | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 581 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 114 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2480 mm |
