1972 BMW Turbo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW Turbo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW Turbo (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW Turbo should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW Turbo weights approximately 24 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 1972 BMW Turbo 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 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 1972 BMW Turbo (177 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm). This means 1972 BMW Turbo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Turbo | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
