1977 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,771 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 40 kg more than 1977 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
