1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 1175 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 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 535 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3071 mm |
