1959 BMW 700 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 935 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 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 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
