1980 BMW 316 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 455 kg more than 1980 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 BMW 316. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316. 2001 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 62 L |
