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 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 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. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
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 (359 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
